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OR 

A MODERN KNIGHT 



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LUCY 



ARTHUR NORRIS 

OR 

A MODERN KNIGHT 


BY 

LEIGH NORTH 

Author of Allendale’s Choice, etc., etc. 


(3 


'YVVv^ . 



Illustrated by 

DONALD S. HUMPHREYS 


MILWAUKEE 

THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO. 
1915 

























ILLUSTRATIONS 


Lucy Frontispiece 

“They had long and delightful rambles 

together” opp. p. 26 ^ 

“Blows rained hard and fast” - - - . “ 54 

“One day he picked up a little waif” - - “ 74 






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CHAPTER FIRST 


AETHUR 

HE school house stood quite near the 
edge of a high bluff, which in some 
places sloped, and in others made a 
sheer drop to the river below. It 
did not seem the most well chosen spot for a 
school house, and strangers were apt to have 
visions of all too rapid descents into the water ; 
but the land had been given, and the Town 
Council had thought it expedient to accept. 

And in fact accidents had been rare, the 
worst, perhaps, being that of little J ohnny Beers, 
who had slipped over once when the river was in 
flood, and been finally dragged unconscious from 
the water. But he soon revived and rather en- 
joyed the notice and commiseration that his mis- 
hap drew upon him. 

As to the rest of the children, particularly 
the more adventurous boys and girls, they found 
it a ^^bully slide,’’ and in spite of the teacher’s 




2 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


admonitions, and now and then a sharper re- 
minder at home, as it was bad for frocks and 
trousers, sliding or rolling down was popular, 
and Arthur iJ^orris, slightly built and something 
of an athlete in his way, had even jumped 
down, while the others held their breath and 
viewed with admiration the achievement of such 
a feat. 

Some few of the scholars lived on the other 
side of the river, and accomplished its transit 
in divers fashions. It was a somewhat fickle 
river, dwindling to a mere thread in long 
droughts, and pouring a torrential fiood after 
heavy rains. 

When meaning to cross, some waded the 
stream, others made the passage by a shackly 
little foot bridge, and a third contingent, whose 
parents or who themselves were of a more 
cautious turn, rose earlier, and took a long de- 
tour to pass over a substantial structure some 
distance away. 

Arthur Horris’ rival in both studies and 
sports was a certain Jack Bentham, who lived 
across the river, and was his close second and 
sometimes his equal in all things. But the 
rivalry of the boys was almost always of a pleas- 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


3 


ant nature, and there was seldom any ill will be- 
tween them. 

On rare occasions J ack would even swim the 
river, carrying most of his garments on his head, 
and despising to go around by either of the 
bridges. But there came a day, after a wild 
storm, that the river seemed quite impassable; 
both bridges were more or less damaged, the 
smaller being swept away by the fierce flow of 
the waters. 

E’o scholars could, it was thought, get across ; 
some even stood ruefully on the opposite bank, 
gazing at the watery barrier. Miss Adams, the 
teacher, was very popular, and outside of the 
drudgery of school hours, which she made as 
easy as she could, there were play and compan- 
ionship which they did not want to miss. 

The sun was shining brightly, and Jack, 
brave but foolhardy, declared he meant to swim 
across. Protests had no effect ; he was quite ob- 
stinately determined. Even Miss Adams^ posi- 
tive command, screamed across at the top of her 
lungs when she discovered his intention, was 
unheeded. 

Either her voice did not carry, or he had 
made up his mind to disobey. Arthur might 


4 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


get ahead of him if he stayed away. So he 
plunged in and began his battle with the waters, 
watched by an anxious group on either side of 
the banks. Cries and shouts resounded: 

^^Go it, Jack!’’ 

^Turn back I” 

^^Bully for you!” 

and the like, alternating with spells of painful 
silence, when the watchers almost held their 
breath. 

Soon it became evident that it was as diffi- 
cult to turn back as to go forward. It took all his 
strength to resist the force of the waves, and not 
be swept down stream. Again and again he was 
submerged, again and again he raised his head 
above the flood, but progress seemed impossible. 

The situation grew tense. Was the brave 
lad to be lost? Ho help was near. A rope 
could not reach him, nor could a boat be 
launched, had there been one within a radius of 
miles. A moment more and his strength was 
quite evidently failing. 

“Oh, foolish boy!” cried Miss Adams, 
wringing her hands, while the children began to 
scream and cry. 

Then there was a stir among the watching 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


5 


crowd, and Arthur J^orris shot like an arrow 
down the bank, and plunged into the water. 

^^Fight, fight, I must win,” muttered the 
boj, and put out all his strength. How merci- 
less seemed the stream in the onward dash of 
its shining waves, almost laughing in their 
flashing brightness at the two puny human be- 
ings who struggled against them. Jack disap- 
peared. Arthur had nearly but not quite 
reached him. 

One almost superhuman effort and the two 
were together ; but oh, appalling sight, both dis- 
appeared. A pause that seemed like ages, and 
once more they were both visible, the new swim- 
mer skilfully aiding his comrade. At last, at 
last there was progress! They were gaining! 
They were coming ! Down the slope with a loud 
cry rushed teacher and scholars. 

Into the water plunged Eleanor Adams, that 
she might be the nearer to extend a helping hand. 
Waist deep and hardly able to keep her footing, 
she grasped at the approaching figures. One 
moment and she had touched them. Jack was 
unconscious, Arthur spent; but one more strug- 
gle, and they lay, side by side, on the river bank, 
still alive. 


CHAPTER SECOND 


LUCY 



UCY DAYTON and Arthur Norris 


were schoolmates, and the best of 
friends. At times they were even 
rivals in class; but if Lucy went 


above him in the spelling match, he was far 
ahead in arithmetic and other studies, and their 
rivalry was always friendly, as was that of J ack 
and Arthur. 

Both boys had a warm side for their pretty 
schoolmate, who, in her turn, was friendly with 
both ; but in his secret heart Arthur felt that he 
was the favorite, and, boy as he was, registered 
a vow to himself that some day he would make 
her his wife. 

School ended, and there being no hope for 
the college education which she would fain have 
entered upon, home duties became more absorb- 
ing, and the place of eldest sister in a family of 
several children was no sinecure. Lucy had lost 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


7 


her own mother when a child and her memories 
of her were the tenderest and most beautiful. 

It had been a blow to the quiet little girl, 
when, after a year or two, her father had brought 
home a stranger to occupy that mother’s place. 
But she made no protest, was an affectionate 
and dutiful child, and, as in time one little 
brother or sister was added to the family circle 
in turn, she grew attached not only to them, but 
to their mother as well, 

The second Mrs. Dayton had been a pretty 
and frivolous girl, in no way, except in looks, 
the equal of her predecessor. She was fond of 
her children but irregular in her government of 
them, alternately too indulgent and too restric- 
tive. She was sincerely attached to her step- 
daughter, but a temper somewhat fretful and ir- 
ritable was rendered even less placid by the care 
of a family, and she was not always reasonable 
in her requirements. 

^^Lucy, why can’t you keep the children 
quiet? You know I told you my head ached 
this morning.” 

am trying, mamma, but you know a 
stormy day like this makes them seem doubly 
noisy.” 


8 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


you would put away your everlasting 
books and writing, you would have more time 
to attend to your duties. I thought when you 
had done school that would be the end of them ; 
but they seem as much around as ever.” 

Lucy gathered up her books and papers, and 
silently proceeded to put them away. She must 
choose some other time for the studies she had 
no mind to abandon. Her school life had 
seemed to her but laying the foundation for fu- 
ture improvement. 

If she could not go to college she could at 
least make some progress by private study, but 
it was quite plain this must be indeed private, 
and it was useless to try for anything of the sort 
in the midst of the family circle. 

^^Lucy,” called a fretful little voice, her 
mother in miniature, ^^come and read to me !” 

^^Yes, Maud,” answered the elder sister 
pleasantly, ^^I’ll come for a little while if you 
don’t whine about it.” 

say, Lucy, Harry won’t let me have the 
tool box !” and in bounced a girl and two boys. 

^^Girls should not play with tools anyhow,” 
cried Harry in self-defence, ^^and Eufus is too 
little.” 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


9 


older than you are, mister,” answered 
Minnie with some asperity, ^^if I am a girl !” 

‘^Why don’t you go to mother with your dis- 
putes?” Lucy said quietly. 

^^Oh, she just says ^don’t bother’! Make 
HaiTy give it to us,” cried Minnie. 

^^You youngsters don’t seem to know what 
to do with yourselves if a holiday and a storm 
come together. Suppose you let the tool box 
alone, and sit down and listen while I read to 
Maud for a little while, and perhaps by that 
time it may clear so that you can go out of doors 
to play.” 

So, as was often the case, the warring ele- 
ments were pacified, and harmony restored by 
the elder sister’s ministrations. Minnie was 
especially devoted to her, and Lucy’s quiet in- 
fluence was already beginning to mould the girl’s 
character. 

The two boys were full of fun, mischief and 
life; Harry, the elder, being the leader in all 
enterprises, good and bad; while the youngest 
child, Maud, was proportionally petted and 
given up to by her mother and generally secured 
her own way by fretting, till everybody was 
thankful to yield so as to keep her quiet. 


10 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


Mr. Dayton was absorbed in business and in 
books and papers when at home, and left the 
regulation of the children much in his wife’s 
hands, seldom interfering or exercising author- 
ity unless matters assumed serious proportions. 
He had a peculiar tenderness for his eldest 
daughter, the image of her mother, the love of 
his youth ; but he was not a demonstrative man, 
and Lucy hardly knew of the strength of her 
father’s feeling towards her. 

He liked young Horris, and was aware that 
there was some attachment between the young 
people, but anything further was a thing of the 
distant future, and meanwhile he was glad to 
have her at home, and realized that she was a 
very useful member of the family. 

The reading over, Lucy decided that the boys 
might go out of doors. ^^And Minnie,” she said, 
‘^you take Maud into my room, and let her look 
over your paper dolls.” 

The little girl looked rebellious for a mo- 
ment, but the steady glance of those grey eyes, 
and the gentle ^^to please me, dear!” won the 
day, and she complied. 

Then Lucy went to the assistance of her 
mother, and listened for the next hour or two 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


11 


to a stream of talk, gossiping details of the vil- 
lage, from which her thoughts would wander to 
Arthur, and to picturing his daily life and occu- 
pations in his new city home. 


CHAPTER THIRD 


BOTH 



RTHUR N^ORRIS left the Amboy 
Academy with two distinct inten- 
tions in his mind. First, to take 
up the study of the ministry, and 
second, as soon as he was placed in charge of a 
parish, to make Lucy Dayton his wife, theology 
and matrimony having a well known affinity for 
each other. 

Classmates in the school, they had studied 
side by side, and, though perhaps no defined en- 
gagement existed between them, each understood 
the other’s mind, and looked forward with glad- 
ness to a future together. 

He was the more enthusiastic and impulsive, 
sanguine of his plans and hopes of success, and 
the more easily cast down; Lucy the more pa- 
tient, unruffled and steadily cheerful. 

^^You change my blues to rose color,” he 
would say playfully, when her bright serenity 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


13 


dissipated some passing cloud, while his en- 
thusiasm was the inspiration of her life, and 
made some of the petty annoyances of home 
seem insignificant. In their studies his quicker 
intellect first grasped and conquered all diffi- 
culties, but her steady perseverance left her not 
far behind. 

are the hare and the tortoise was her 
comparison. 

But the laugh was turned against her when 
he answered, ^^Who beat that race 

He carried off the first honors of the class, 
while Lucy sat proud and silent, watching the 
glowing face and impassioned gestures of the 
young speaker, satisfied that her more modest 
attainments called for no public exhibition on 
her part. 

Arthur was tall and well formed, with broad 
forehead, brilliant eyes and a frank, manly look 
that was very attractive ; Lucy of slighter build, 
with an oval face, soft hair, grey eyes and a 
quiet manner that seemed to avoid rather than 
draw attention to her real charms. So opinions 
differed as to her claims to beauty. 

One called her lovely, another demurred; 
but in Arthur’s eyes she was the very perfection 


14 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


of womanhood, her beauty beyond dispute, her 
mind and manners the most remarkable and 
charming among her associates. Lucy knew and 
valued her lover’s high opinion, but it humbled 
rather than exalted her. She was not worthy of 
it, she told herself, but only sought to reach his 
ideal. 

Their opinions and tastes agreed in most 
matters, but differed enough to leave room for 
long arguments now and then and avoid the 
tameness of a constant uniformity. Together 
they looked forward to his entry upon a career 
of active usefulness. 

But he pictured to himself the wide field of 
a city, where his eloquence might make its mark, 
and his duties comprehend not only the well- 
to-do classes, but the larger sphere of missionary 
effort among the poor and degraded of some 
great town. Her vision was of a country home, 
a life among rural neighbors, both poor and rich ; 
to whom the years would but bind them closer 
in the bonds of a common interest, sympathy 
and friendship. 

In the meanwhile both waited, and, in their 
different ways, worked. Athletics, too, had their 
share of ardent interest for Arthur ; the returns 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


15 


from all the big games were eagerly read or 
listened to. He himself was one of the best of 
pitchers, the swiftest of runners, and to the 
classically minded his lithe, light figure had a 
certain resemblance to the flying Mercury, im- 
age of youthful beauty and grace. 

Lithe as a panther, some one said of him, 
while he considered it a great compliment that 
another remarked he ^^climbed like a cat.’’ At 
work or play alike he threw his whole heart into 
it, and the base ball team considered itself in 
the best possible shape when Arthur Horris was 
counted on its nine. Sometimes his aunt re- 
monstrated, 

^^Arthur, you’ll kill yourself before your 
time if you go at everything so hard. You have 
no repose of manner.” 

^^At my age I should think not. Auntie ; that 
belongs to the ladies ; at any rate, Lucy will have 
to look to that department for me. It is better 
to wear out than to rust out.” 

^^Well, I think there is little doubt that you 
will wear out — and perhaps too soon, too.” 

^^Why, do you know,” said the boy earnestly, 
^^sometimes I grudge the hours I spend in sleep. 


16 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


Life is so full and beautiful, and there is so 
much always to do and see.’V 

^^Well, you are young. After a while I sup- 
pose you’ll feel differently, like the rest of us. 
But, being a woman, I was never so energetic- 
ally disposed myself, and I feel less like violent 
action as time goes on, and” — with a sigh for 
the lost delights of former journeyings — 
don’t even care to travel so fast as I once did.” 


CHAPTER FOURTH 


^^AUNT HAN ’’ 

RTHUR NORRIS often said laugh- 
ingly, have three homes.’^ And 
his bright, genial disposition and 
frank, attractive ways made him a 
general favorite. He had lost both parents when 
quite young, and his father’s brother had then 
taken charge of him; but his aunt’s health re- 
quiring, as she thought, a prolonged absence in 
Europe, she had not wished to be burdened with 
the care of a child, so he was early sent to a 
boarding school, where he remained till the re- 
turn of the travellers, when he was transferred 
to the Amboy Academy and won his first spurs, 
as it were, by the rescue of Jack Bentham. 

He soon made friends wherever he went, and 
had spent so long at boarding school that he 
quite regarded it in the light of a home. 

During the years they were together he and 
his uncle became much attached, and he learned 




18 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


to turn aside or joke about Mrs. I^orris’ daily 
complaints over the lost delights of Europe. 

^^There is nothing to see and nothing to do 
here,” she would say. 

^^Oh, come now, Auntie, are not rolling prai- 
ries and a free people better than ruined castles 
and effete monarchies?” 

^^So little cultivation and such poor man- 
ners !” 

^^Well, then, you must stay here and give us 
the light of your countenance and raise the 
standard; that is a fine job, a worthy ambition, 
isn’t it?” 

And if the clouds still lowered he would give 
her a hug or a kiss, and she was always molli- 
fied; for she really loved the boy, and her ^^Go 
away. Bear!” was in a softer tone. 

Lastly, there was another modest little home 
Avhere he was ever a welcome guest, and Avhose 
mistress would gladly have shared her last crust 
with him, had she not feared to stand in the 
boy’s light. Miss Hannah Scott, ^^Aunt Han” 
as she was familiarly known by all her young 
friends, lived alone, save for the attendance of a 
little maid. 

She was a half sister of, and much older 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


19 


than, Arthur’s mother; but she would gladly 
have claimed him for her own had she not rec- 
ognized his uncle’s nearer relationship, and 
feared that with straightened means she could 
give him few advantages. She was but a simple 
soul, yet it was with her that the little fellow 
had had his truest experience of mother love; 
and the small griefs of childhood were saved up 
to be poured into the sympathetic ear of ^^Aunt 
Han.” 

She was glad and proud of his school-boy 
successes, and shed tears of joy at learning of 
his intention to enter the ministry. Who can 
tell what her own gentle influence may have had 
to do with the matter? For she had always 
held it up to his childish eyes as the noblest pro- 
fession. 

seems most bold and forward of me to 
say such a thing, but that’s the one only reason 
why I ever did want to be a man, to be a min- 
ister ; and now,” laying her trembling hands on 
his shoulders, and lifting her wet eyes to the 
ardent young face above her, feel just like 
Jonadab, the son of Kechab, as if I’d got a man 
to stand before the Lord for me forever.” 

^^Oh, you bold, bad woman, bless you !” the 


20 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


young fellow would cry, stooping to kiss her, 
^^there is many a minister who has not done as 
much good in this world as you have !” 

^^Oh, my dear boy,’’ protested the good lady, 
^^don’t say such a thing, you’ll turn my head and 
make me vain. Good as a minister, indeed ! I 
guess not!” 

^^Well, I suppose there are ministers and 
ministers,” admitted Arthur; ^‘but I do main- 
tain if they were all as good as you the world 
would be a better place.” 

^^How I should love to be a foreign mission- 
ary!” sighed Aunt Han; ‘^but I never thought 
of it when I was young enough, and now it is 
too late.” 

^^But you are a domestic missionary, my 
Jonadab, and they are just as much needed. 
Who helps the poor people as far as she is able, 
and puts cheer into their hearts when they are 
repining and despondent? Who goes to her 
neighbors in sickness and trouble to give what 
aid she can? Who persuades little girls to be 
neat and sensible ? I am sure many a man in 
the future will thank Aunt Han for his wife’s 
capabilities? Didn’t you teach Lucy to make 
button-holes? You know you did. Who tries 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


21 


to keep boys out of mischief — their natural ele- 
ment — even naughty nephews with a roguish 
laugh. 

^^Who goes without a spring bonnet to give 
a little more to the Church, and who stands by 
her minister loyally when he has services and 
meetings at inconvenient times, or in any parish 
crisis where a woman can be of use? Tiggy, 
Wiggy,’ as the old game says ? 'No, indeed, just 
Aunt Han ! I know all about it, you see And 
with a merry burst of laughter, he would take 
himself off exclaiming, ^^Oh, these Aunties 

While Miss Scott with a reflected smile on 
her lips would turn back to some trifling task 
in the dainty neatness of the cottage, or betake 
herself to a bit of sewing for the missionary box, 
thanking the Lord again that she had a man to 
stand before Him. 


CHAPTER FIFTH 


COLLEGE LIFE 

E'TO his college life Arthur threw 
all the enthusiasm of his nature. 
If he was not at the head of every 
class he was always near the top, 
and consumed more ^^midnight oiF’ than was 
quite judicious, in the pursuit of his object. 

Athletics, too, claimed a large share of his 
time ; he was on the base ball team, fine at foot 
ball, on ^^the ’Varsity Eleven,” in the boat races, 
and the swiftest runner and highest jumper in 
his set. Consequently, holidays found him 
much reduced in weight, and Aunt [N’orris pro- 
tested that he was ^^thinner than a rail.” 

In social life he took less share; he made 
a few friends among the young men’s families, 
but Lucy was the star of his thoughts, and no 
other attraction drew him from her. So he did 
not frequently attend the dances and ^^hops,” 



OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


23 


aud sometimes, even when present, was a mere 
onlooker. 

His old teacher Miss Adams, now Mrs. Eaj- 
mond, however, had a modest little home in 
his college town. There he was frequently a 
welcome guest and a prime favorite with the 
baby, who would begin to coo and gurgle at 
sight of him, remembering the tossings and 
other attractions which he afforded her. 

^^Arthur,’’ laughed Mrs. Kaymond, let 
you outrage all the modern baby conventions, 
and Lucy had better look out or this young lady 
will try and usurp her place. Ho one else has 
made his way so easily into her good graces. 
I really believe, when she begins to talk, she 
will try to say ^Arthur’ before she does 
^Mamma.’ But don’t you do it. Baby, or I shall 
be very jealous.” 

Aunt Horris was not at all satisfied with 
Arthur’s fondness for Lucy. She would have 
been glad for her nephew to make a match 
among the rich and distinguished, and bewailed 
to her husband that he had so early set his affec- 
tions on so quiet and undistinguished a girl. 

^Ht is such a pity,” she sighed, ^Tor he is 
really a brilliant fellow.” 


24 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


said easy-going Mr. JSTorris, who was 
rather fond of Lucy, ^^she is a quiet little puss, 
but I don’t doubt he will be happier than with 
something more fly-a-way.” 

In the Brotherhoods for helpful service 
Arthur also took a great interest, and as large 
a share as his studies, which he tried never to 
neglect, would permit. 

^^Horris,” said one of his classmates, be- 
lieve you manage to do twice as much as some 
of the other fellows without killing yourself. 
How do you do it 

^^By being born and bred with as little flesh 
on my bones as possible, and having rubber 
muscles, perhaps!” laughed Arthur in reply. 
^^It was intended I should do many things,” 
and his face grevr more thoughtful as he called 
to mind the future life he had planned for him- 
self. 

Long letters to Lucy, written not so often as 
they could both have wished, also were more or 
less time consumers, and to these were added 
shorter ones to his uncle and aunt Horris, and 
to others, not least of all dear “Aunt Han.” 
And the old lady gloated over them as among 
her dearest treasures, and read them again and 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


25 


again, sometimes smiling, sometimes tearful. 
And now and then, if rarely, she and Lucy 
compared notes. 

^^Lucy, dear, look after Aunt Han,’’ had been 
Arthur’s parting word. 

And indeed Lucy found great comfort in 
her talks with Aunt Han. Home life was not 
always congenial, nor her step-mother — barring 
the fact that she really cared for her — an enliv- 
ening or inspiring companion. She had no 
taste for gossip, and secretly wearied, though 
she said little, of the many complaints of serv- 
ants, children or neighbors, and even her hus- 
band and general conditions. 

^^Oh, please don’t say anything about 
father!” Lucy would protest gently. 

^^Well, you know, Lucy, as well as I do, that 
he don’t half look after things, or keep the chil- 
dren in order.” 

And Lucy did know, but tried not to admit 
it even to herself; father was so dear, and he 
was busy with his books and other things. He 
left the government to his wife, and matters 
might perhaps have been a little better or gone 
more smoothly if he had not. Lucy did not 
talk much of Arthur at home, and even carried 


20 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


his letters in her pocket for hours to get a chance 
to read them when she was quiet and alone. 

But with Aunt Han, Arthur and his doings 
were subjects alike welcome to the elder woman 
and the girl, both of whom missed his cheerful 
and enlightening presence from their daily life. 

^^He is always so optimistic,” said Lucy. 

^^Yes, the dear boy, it is like a ray of sun- 
shine to have him come into the house.” 

^Treshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior!” 
said Lucy, looking forward to the years with- 
out him with a half sigh. Oh, if she could only 
have been at college, too, keeping up with him 
as far as might be! 

Studying at home was so difficult, so almost 
impossible with conditions as they were. The 
little country parish in the dim future which 
she sometimes thought of seemed like a haven 
of rest. 


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CHAPTER SIXTH 


THE BULL 

lACATIOX came as a welcome break 
after the strenuous life of the last 
few months, strenuous alike in men- 
— tal and physical effort, and Arthur 
was advised by his uncle and aunt, and begged 
by Lucy, to take things easy, and be ^dazy for a 
change.’’ 

The young fellow was somewhat over- 
wrought, and not altogether indisposed to fol- 
low the advice. At least for the present, he said 
to himself, they would have a quiet time, he and 
Lucy. ^^Dear little Puss” he called her in his 
thoughts, just as his uncle had done. 

Lucy loved quiet, he loved action ; but there 
was a time for each. And now they had long 
and delightful rambles together, pouring out 
their thoughts and feelings to each other with 
greater fulness and freedom than letter writing 
would allow. 



28 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


you were not going to be a minister, 
would you like to be a professional base ball 
player Lucy asked one day. ^^You are so fond 
of it and such a good player 

Arthur hesitated. 

^^Yes, I am fond of it, there is no better 
sport,” and he flung out his arms as if he were 
casting a ball; ^^and,” thoughtfully, ^^it gives 
pleasure to a lot of people. Pleasure is a good 
thing, too ; but no, work is better, and I couldn^t, 
I couldn’t be anything but a minister. It is old 
fashioned to say so, but it’s true, it is the noblest 
profession, and I have always wanted to be a 
minister since I was a child. 

^^That’s not saying, however, that you can’t 
do your share of the world’s work, and help it 
on in any sphere. Who has done better work 
all her life than Aunt Han? She has been a 
mother to the motherless, and a friend and 
neighbor to the poor and helpless all her life. 
But,” with a sudden change of the subject, ^det 
me tell you about that last ball game. It was 
clear luck, though. 

^Mt was in the last inning. They’d beaten 
us by five runs, and we were not doing much 
hitting. I was on first, and their pitcher got a 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


29 


little crazy, I guess, and on the ninth inning 
we had three men on the bases, only one run in, 
as they say, and only one man out. Two strikes 
were called for the next batter. I was feeling 
put out at the way things were going, and ready 
to start for the club house as soon as the game 
was ended, which it soon promised to be. He 
sent an easy, short fly to the centre fleld. 

^^Then I tore down to second, and yelled 
at the top of my voice. The centre wanted to 
catch the ball. Of a sudden I saw a runner 
ahead, watching the flelder. I could not get 
back to first if he threw. So I yelled Third 
That fellow caught the ball, and heaved to third 
base while I tore back to first. Centre man 
heaved the ball over third base man’s head, two 
runs scored, and I got back to first and second 
before the ball was found.” 

Lucy was listening with rapt attention, 
though her knowledge of games was limited, 
when a sudden exclamation from Arthur and a 
quick break in his narrative startled her. 

^^My heavens ! There is a bull in that field 
and a lot of children, and the bull looks ugly !” 

Lucy turned, and saw a party of children 
with a teacher, busily picking daisies, with no 


30 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


thought of the menacing danger. The bull had 
lifted his head, and with evident disapproval 
was advancing towards the intruders. 

^^Get the children out!’’ shouted Arthur, as 
he vaulted the fence. 

At once terror seized the party, and they be- 
gan to run wildly in diiferent directions. 
Meamvhile Lucy had swiftly followed him, and 
was helping some of the frightened children to 
climb the fence. 

^^Be quiet, dears, but be quick I” she said to 
silence a terrified scream. 

Arthur sped towards the enemy, seizing, as 
he ran, a red handkerchief which one of the 
children had over her shoulders. Teacher and 
children followed Lucy’s lead and tumbled over 
the fence, which was a strong one. Arthur, 
waving his scarlet flag, ran on. The huge beast 
paused, and then made a rush at him. With the 
lithe spring of a panther, and the skill of a 
Spanish toreador, the boy sprang to one side and 
then agilely to the other. 

If only he could keep the beast occupied till 
they were all safe ! ITis athletic training stood 
him in good stead. Again and again the bull 
lunged at him, again and again he managed to 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


31 


avoid the onrush of the big beast. It was a fine 
sight, but one that carried a deadly fear to the 
heart of the girl who loved her hero. 

^^Come, Arthur,” she cried at last, ^^they are 
all safe. Save yourself before it is too late !” 

He dared not look behind, and every nerve 
and muscle were at their highest tension, as he 
slowly retreated, facing his foe, gasping now and 
still springing from side to side, waving his red 
flag. If he could only throw it over the bull’s 
head to blind him, if but for a few minutes ! It 
seemed the last chance ; the space between them 
was narrowing, and his forces were failing. 

Wildly he flung his red rag. It hung on the 
bull’s horns, and covered one eye. It mad- 
dened the animal, and with a last forward dash 
he caught Arthur’s clothing and flung him afar, 
happily over the fence, then paused as if aston- 
ished at what he had done. The fence was a 
barrier, how puny against his mighty strength, 
luckily, he did not realize. 

Arthur fell heavily to the ground and lay 
unconscious. Lucy dropped beside him and 
leaned over him, white to the lips. The chil- 
dren in an awed group gathered around. The 
teacher was in tears. The bull, author of the 


32 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


trouble, snorted, turned, and trotted to the other 
end of the field. 

^^Kun for water, somebody!’’ cried Lucy, 
and water and help soon arrived. 

^^What did you go into that field for ? It’s 
a durned critter!” said the owner, somewhat 
crossly. 

^^We did not see the bull,” chorused the chil- 
dren. 

^^There should have been a warning sign,” 
the teacher, somewhat recovered from her tears, 
remarked severely. 

^^Yes, I ’spose so,” admitted the man, 
scratching his head. ^^Well, I’ll hitch up a 
wagon and take you all home, and for the land’s 
sake stay there ! He ain’t dead !” he said, sur- 
veying Arthur coolly. 

The latter stirred and opened his eyes. 

^^That was a tussle !” he said. 


CHAPTER SEVENTH 

BACK TO WOEK 

OY-LIKE, Arthur had a great ob- 
jection to the lionizing that followed 
his dangerous adventure with the 
bull, the report of which spread 
wildly through the town. His uncle’s playful 
references, after he was sure that his dear boy 
had received no permanent injury, to the ^^bull 
fight,” and his aunt’s nickname of “Toreador” 
did not greatly disturb him. 

But to be seized by the hand by elderly gen- 
tlemen and ladies, and threatened with kisses 
by mothers and even daughters, proved em- 
barrassing, and brought the ruddy color surg- 
ing to the roots of his hair; so that finally he 
would look apprehensively from the door to see 
if any one was in sight before venturing forth. 

“To make such a fuss!” he declared impa- 
tiently to Lucy. “It was not so much to do — 
it was because I had had a go6d training in 




34 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


athletics that I was able to spring out of the 
way so easily.’’ 

^^Yes,” Lucy said gently, ^^but there is no 
use in pretending that everybody could have 
done it, and oh, how thankful we should be that 
you escaped any real injury !” 

know, I know,” he answered, don’t 
mean to be ungrateful to either God or man. Of 
course it might have ended in a tragedy, if not 
for me, for some of the others ; for he was a big 
fellow and ugly. And I doubt, too, if all would 
have escaped if you had not been brave enough 
to go into the field and so calmly manage those 
frightened children. Oh, you are a trump 1” 

Nevertheless, the return to college appealed 
to Arthur more than he had expected. There 
at least he should be free from much of the at- 
tention which he found rather overwhelming 
here. 

^Tlay is a good thing,” he wrote to Lucy, 
^Tut work is better, and I am hard at it now. 
Oh, I know you will tell me I am all the more 
ready for it on account of a holiday, and no 
doubt you are right ; but I am glad to be out of 
the way of Mr. Bull at last. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


35 


^^Thank goodness, the fellows have not got 
hold of it here, and I just shut Eleanor Ray- 
mond up when she began on the subject — of 
course somebody must needs write her — but she 
understands, bless her ! and the baby can^t talk 
yet. Only, honey, I do miss my walks with my 
Lucy, and once in a while I go off by myself and 
just try to imagine you are along. 

^^But college is first rate, and even the haz- 
ing as a Freshman was not half bad. ITow of 
course Ihn a Sophomore and beyond such 
things, and will take my turn at the other fel- 
lows. 

^^But, speaking of walks, I must tell you of 
an adventure I had the other day. I was some 
distance off in the country, when I heard some- 
thing like a groan ; and behind a hedge I found 
a hard looking customer lying on the ground, 
and evidently in great pain. As I bent over him 
I could smell the liquor, and he greeted me with 
a volley of oaths and foul abuse of ffhe blasted 
rich.’ 

^Hold on,’ I said, ^you’ll burst your boilers 
letting off so much steam. And how about the 
blamed poor ? If you drink all the time. I’ll be 
bound some of the blame is yours.’ 


36 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


winked an eye at me and said humor- 
ously, ^Shut up, kid, you’re no minister!’ 

^i^'ot yet,’ I replied, ^but what can I do 
for you V 

^I’m done for already,’ he groaned, and let 
off more oaths. 

^Oh, no,’ I answered ; for, though I could 
see he was badly hurt, his voice was too strong, 
and he too fighting full to be near dying, as he 
evidently thought he was. ^You can be patched 
up, all right, if I can only find out some way to 
get you to a hospital.’ 

^^At that he protested, but I paid no atten- 
tion, and, to make a long story short, it seemed 
he had been in a strike and got hurt in the riot- 
ing ; and though he was wounded he was afraid 
of arrest; and managed to make off some dis- 
tance before he gave out. So finally I got help, 
and we took him to the hospital, where he is 
likely to remain for a while, and sober up. And 
now, part of my job here will be to keep an eye 
on him, and see if I can’t break up his taste for 
whiskey, and put a few new ideas into his head. 
He’s only heard one side, poor fellow. 

^^He is the strongest case of class hatred I’ve 
ever come across, and sometimes when I go to 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


37 


see him he is as surly as possible, spends all his 
time abusing those who are better off, and won’t 
even admit he is glad to see me; but I can see 
that he is, and if Patrick Smit (he is half Irish, 
half German, with no apparent relations) can’t 
be made to stand on his feet once more, and take 
hold of life in a better way, it won’t be for want 
of trying on my part. 

^Gt makes one’s blood boil to hear some of 
his tales of the oppression of the poor workers ; 
but strikes are a bad weapon, a two-edged sword 
that cuts both ways, and does as much harm to 
the innocent as to the guilty. I^or is the blame 
all on one side, when one thinks of the fre- 
quently unreasonable demands and broken 
agreements, and, worst of all, the union’s utter 
intolerance of all outside their own ranks. But 
you’ll be saying ^shut up, kid,’ too, if I don’t 
stop.” 


CHAPTER EIGHTH 

LUCY^S ADVENTURE 


EAR Arthur/’ wrote Lucy in reply, 
^Ve are all so interested in your 
poor man. I do hope he will come 
out all right, and if anybody can 
make him I am sure you can.” (^^Oh, of course !” 
laughed Arthur.) ^^And you must be sure and 
always tells us about him when you write. Of 
course Aunt Han is interested, and I wish she 
were near enough to help you, as I am sure she 
could. 

^^And now I have had an adventure myself, 
too, which is not altogether pleasant to think of, 
and which, like your experience with the hull, 
might have turned out tragically, only, thank 
God, it didn’t! If I were writing an article 
such as one often sees in the papers and maga- 
zines, called Teople I have met,’ I could now 
say, ^A Burglar.’ 

^Tt happened in this way: The Rays, of 



OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


39 


whom you know papa is very fond, begged for a 
little visit from me, Marian not being very well. 
Of course mamma did not want me to go, said 
she could not spare me and so forth, and I gave 
it up in my own mind, though I felt I should 
like a little change; sometimes the youngsters, 
bless them, do tease a little, and a change re- 
freshes everybody ! 

^^But for once papa was quite decided, and 
said he would engage some extra help while I 
was gone, but that I should go. So olf I went, 
and the Kays were lovely and gave me the warm- 
est kind of a welcome. But Marian got rather 
Avorse than better, and we all began to feel a lit- 
tle worried about her. 

^^So one night, having forgotten to take any 
ice Avater up with me, I got very thirsty, and 
quite in the middle of the night I lit the little 
lantern which Mr. Ray has kept in each room 
— for he is very much afraid of fire, and will 
allow no candles carried about — and went doAvn 
after some. 

^Must as I got to the bottom of the stairs I 
heard a movement in the dining room, and saw 
a light, when out walked a man Avith a dark 
lantern and confronted me. He said, ^Shut up, 


40 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


or I’ll shoot you!’ and made as if he would go 
up stairs. 

don’t know what kept me so cool, but I 
felt if Marian got a fright it might kill her. So 
I just set down my lantern, took hold of the 
banisters on either side and said very quietly, 
^ There is a sick person up there, and you 
shall not go up.’ He gave a sort of short laugh ; 
I suppose he thought it absurd for a slip of a 
girl like me to oppose him, looked at me in a 
sort of amusement, and said, 

^You’re a blamed brick 1’ 

^Do open the door, and go out quietly,’ I 
went on, ^and I’ll shut it after you. It’s a bad 
trade you are in, but perhaps you have not been 
taught any better. There is nothing up there 
you can get at. It won’t do you any good to kill 
me, for I shan’t let you pass. There are men 
up there with revolvers (so there were, Mr. Hay 
and Tom both). I would not want them to kill 
you, and there is a sick person you might 
frighten to death. I don’t even want to call, 
but I will if you try to go any further. Please, 
please, go away ! I do love the sick person, and 
I don’t want you to hurt her.’ I looked at him 
steadily and said, ^Oh, please!’ again. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


41 


^‘What made him I don’t know ; but he hesi- 
tated a moment, muttered something to himself, 
turned and unfastened the front door, and, after 
looking cautiously up and down the street, went 
out. 

^^Then I locked it after him — I don’t know 
how I could have been so calm — blew out my 
lantern, I can’t tell why, groped my way up 
stairs, and fell in a kind of faint at Mr. Eay’s 
door, where he presently came out and found me. 

^Don’t disturb Marian,’ I begged, as soon 
as I came to myself, and then told him all about 
it. He took his pistol and went down, but there 
was no sign of the burglar, only a few things 
disturbed in the dining room, and nothing taken 
but a little gold chain that Mrs. Kay had been 
having mended and forgotten; otherwise they 
might have thought it was all a dream or fancy 
on my part, and there had been no burglar. 

know just how you felt about the bull, 
for they all made a big fuss over me, and I only 
wanted to run away and hide. I had really 
done nothing. If he had attempted to come up, 
or to hurt me, I should have had to call out. 
The burglar is a bad man, of course, but who 
knows how he was brought up ; and I should not 


42 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


have wanted Mr. Kay to come down with his 
revolver and shoot — ^perhaps kill him.’’ 

^^Oh, my dear little Santa Lncia” (one of 
the many pet names he bestowed npon her), was 
Arthur’s reply, ^^how brave you are, and what 
a mercy that you escaped any injury ! It turns 
me cold to think of it !” 


CHAPTER NINTH 


THE EUNAWAY. 

ISCHARGED from the hospital, 
Arthur’s protege dogged his foot- 
steps. Sometimes drunk, some- 
times sober, he was always coming 
across his path. When drunk he usually ad- 
dressed Arthur as ^^Your Reverence !” or ^^Your 
Honor!” When sober he sometimes called him 
^^Mein Herr!” 

say, Smit, why don’t you let whiskey 
alone?” protested Arthur. 

^AVell, your Reverence, it’s the devil of it 
gets into me, and sure it’s as swate as any girl !” 
winking roguishly. 

But after all Arthur was encouraged to be- 
lieve that there was improvement; the man 
would keep entirely sober to complete a job, now 
and then, being what is called ^'handy” in var- 
ious lines. His dress became a trifle neater, he 




44 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


swore less frequently, and his diatribes had lost 
something of their bitterness. 

suppose you call me the blasted rich, Mr. 
Patrick,’’ Arthur said. 

^Well, if ye are, ye’re good enough to be 
the blamed poor, anyway,” with a twinkle in 
his eye. 

^^I’m inclined to think I’ve got myself a 
bodyguard for life,” Arthur wrote home; ^^but 
some day I shall wash my hands of him, and 
leave my job for Aunt Han to finish.” 

One day an incident occurred which in- 
volved both in what might have proved serious 
disaster. A lively horse, frightened by an auto- 
mobile, dashed down, the street, the reins drag- 
ging, while in the vehicle behind sat two ter- 
rified women, the one trying to grasp at the 
reins, the other screaming in terror, We’ll be 
killed!” 

Arthur and Patrick were walking together. 
Arthur sprang at the head of the fiying steed, 
grasped at the bridle, seized it and was dragged 
along. 

^^Bedad, and the bye ’ll be kilt 1” and Patrick 
threw himself into the breach ; with a fierce run 
and jump he, too, sped at the bridle, and between 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


45 


them they managed to halt the beast, but not 
till Arthur was hung on the ground, the breath 
almost knocked from his body. Patrick clung 
stubbornly to the horse, and by and by brought 
him to a standstill. 

Of course a crowd soon collected; Arthur 
was picked up little the worse, the women were 
helped out, while some one took care of the 
trembling animal, and Patrick was the hero of 
the day. 

’Twas the little minister, bless him, as 
caught him first !’’ but the glory of the occasion 
was not entirely unwelcome to Patrick. 

^^I’m like a cat and have nine lives,’’ said 
Arthur. manage to escape or, I should say, 
have the good fortune to escape, so many things 
that might have proved injurious if not fatal 
to some one. l^ow, Smit, if you had not been 
half sober, you could not have done any good.” 
This by way of conveying a lesson. 

^Tndade, if I’d been whole drunk, your 
Honor, I’d ’a been so heavy I’d ’a stopped him 
at once,” with his usual humorous wink. 

^^Oh, you’re incorrigible!” Arthur retorted, 
but he could not help laughing. 

So arm in arm, like brothers, they went their 


4 « 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


way, Arthur trying to improve the occasion by 
a few serious words, Patrick turning them aside 
with some merry jest with which he was always 
overflowing, but paying more heed, his young 
friend hoped, than he appeared to do. 

‘^!Mow, your Honor, we need to be run away 
with, or run over by an automobile, to show 
what else we can do.’’ 

^^And if you don’t try to walk straighter,” 
Arthur retorted, as his companion lurched to- 
wards him, ^^you sure will be run over, my 
man.” 

^^And ain’t ye pleased, your Keverence, that 
I’m not fightin’ anybody ?” 

^^Yes, I am,” returned Arthur, don’t want 
to see you broken up again as badly as you were 
when we took you to the hospital !” 

“Sure, an’ I’ll never be fighting again !” said 
Patrick, solemnly — “not till next time,” he 
grinned. 

“I suppose not,” said his mentor ; “you’re 
better employed catching wild horses.” 

Sophomore year seemed to Arthur to have 
enlarged his views, and to have put him more in 
touch with the life around him. He enjoyed 
the good fellowship with the members of his 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


47 


class, but he also seemed to realize more fully 
the purpose of it all, the gain from his student 
life, the goal of his studies and researches ; also 
the training involved in athletics, not only the 
physical advantage, but the discipline, the self- 
control that it involved. It took on a new aspect 
to him ; he felt the worth while of it more than 
ever before, and yet the difficulty of keeping 
both departments properly balanced. 

^^All work and no play,’’ he said to himself, 
^hnakes Jack a dull boy; but all play and no 
work makes him a mere toy, or may, if he don’t 
guard against it.” 


CHAPTER TENTH 


THE LURE OF THE WEST 

N his Junior year Arthur received a 
letter, and more than one, from his 
old schoolmate. Jack Bentham, who 
had gone West to make his fortune. 
The boys had seldom written to each other, 
though each retained a warm feeling for his 
old schoolmate. But suddenly a correspondence 
sprang up between them, and several letters 
passed. 

^^Oh, chuck your old books, say I, and come 
out to the wild and woolly West,^’ wrote Jack. 
^Tt’s worth a dozen cities, this life on the plains, 
always on the go, always in the open. I would 
not go back to what you call civilization for any- 
thing you could name. You cut me out with the 
prettiest girl around, but come out here and V\\ 
forgive you. Come, that’s a good fellow, and 
take your chances with me. And there are sin- 
ners a-plenty — hard cusses too, if you want the 
job of converting them.” 




OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


49 


^^Come again urged Jack in another letter, 
tell you frankly, it’s not all play, it’s what 
many would call a hard life, heat, and cold, and 
fatigue. I wouldn’t fool you if I could. But 
you never were a quitter; that would not stop 
you, I know, and work in the open is so different 
from a close, indoor life. 

^^We have a log house and a bunk or a shake- 
down, and one sleeps like a top under one’s 
blankets, such sleep as one never gets all crowded 
up between stuffy walls, and rises in the morn- 
ing with ^a fistful of strength.’ Then as for 
grub, Lord, what an appetite one has ! ]^o mat- 
ter what you get, it tastes like nothing ever 
tasted before — so good ! 

^^Then, best of all, the riding, flying, tearing 
like a madman, like the devil, over the plain, 
chasing the beasts who fly like the wind, fling- 
ing your rope and bringing them down, feeling 
a man every inch of you ! What is a city life 
compared to this ? Then conquering your steed, 
sticking to him no matter how he jumps, or 
bucks, or rolls. Oh, it is fine ! One gets to be 
what we used to study about in school — a regu- 
lar Centaur. 

^^And when it is cold, one has a rousing fire 


50 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


indoors and feels no chill. No locks and no bars 
to onr houses. No bother about clothes, no 
fancy touches out here, I can tell you. One sees 
Indians once in a while, a few, a miserable lot, 
not as many as one used to see, half dressed, or 
wrapped in blankets, hanging around little set- 
tlement stations, half drunk, good for nothing; 
or on their reservations, more or less civilized, 
making a try at the white man’s life. 

^^Come and convert them. The noble Red 
Han of the past is hardly to be found. Some of 
the fellows still say there is no Indian like a 
dead one. Poor devils, one can’t help feeling 
half sorry for them, but it’s all in the march of 
progress. 

^^I think if I’d been born an Indian I’d feel 
like shooting up a white fellow on sight, and be 
done with it. Such riders as they used to be, 
but the cowboy is up to them now. Come, my 
dear fellow. Be free. Be a cowboy.” 

A sudden unrest seemed to seize Arthur. He 
wearied of the daily routine; it seemed to him 
monotonous as it had never done before. 
Strange. questionings arose in his mind. What 
Avas the good of it all? What would he, or it, 
accomplish after all ? What was worth Avhile ? 


oil A MODERN KNIGHT 


51 


What did life mean ? What did it lead to ? His 
brain seemed in a whirl. A kind of fever seized 
him. He read thirstily, eagerly, every book he 
could find on the subject of Western life. 

All day long his thoughts were divided be- 
tween the daily routine and the pictures Jack 
had drawn. Sleeping he dreamed of sunrise 
over a vast prairie, of mad gallops across the 
plain, of life, unrestricted life in the open. Air, 
sky, space, with freedom at command, freedom 
such as he had never experienced. Then the 
^^monochrome of winter,’’ as someone had called 
it ; the magnificence of storms in that vast soli- 
tude. Kaleidoscopic pictures came and went, 
and from such visions he awoke with a start. 

At once there seemed to come upon him a 
feverish desire to go and test it all, to see if that 
was the life for which he was fitted, to find out 
if it really appealed to him, as it had to his 
comrade, and again he felt a certain contempt 
for himself that he could be thus swayed from 
the plan of life he had first mapped out. 

Kow he tried to think of Lucy in such a 
place, but her picture would not fit the frame. 
His imagination could not sketch her in such 
surroundings, quiet, dignified, gentle, brave and 


52 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


lovable as she was. Then he tried to fancy 
what life would be without her, and of himself 
free from all the old ties, but it was unthink- 
able. Days and weeks the struggle went on, but 
at last it ended. 

^^1^0,’^ he wrote Jack, ^^you have tempted me, 
tempted me more than I can say ; but I have put 
my hand to the plough and I cannot turn back. 
The fever is passing, and I know in my heart 
that this, not that, is the true life for me. But 
a life of work and service I hope it will be, not 
idleness, wherever spent.” 


CHAPTER ELEVENTH 


THE FIGHT 

NE day it chanced that Arthur was 
taking one of his solitary walks, 
looking back with a half shame on 
the Western fever that had so sud- 
denly attacked and then left him, looking for- 
ward to the life before him and wondering, half 
vaguely, where his life work would be found. 
And as he went on his attention was attracted 
by a partially crippled horse, on which its 
owner, a rough looking fellow, was bestowing 
a cruel and unmerciful beating. 

^^Hold there cried Arthur, his sympathies 
always keenly alive to suffering. ^^Cut it out! 
Stop, I say!’’ 

The man turned savagely, and with a string 
of oaths resumed his blows. Arthur stepped 
towards him with outstretched hand. It was the 
signal for an attack on himself; the carter 
turned and struck him. 




54 


AETHUR NORRIS 


A sudden flame of passion surged through 
the boy, and he struck back with hearty good 
will. He was no practised fighter, but he was 
quick, athletic, and strong with a momentary 
fury. Blows rained hard and fast on either 
side. 

The carter was of the heavier build, and each 
stroke carried weight; but Arthur sprang aside 
more quickly, and was the more scientific in the 
use of his fists, nor was he without experience in 
friendly boxing matches. How he parried, now 
he sprang aside, now he landed a telling blow. 

What matter if he felt that his left eye was 
swelling, or that there were uncomfortable lumps 
rising here and there on his anatomy ? He was 
lost in the action of the moment. 

Suddenly with a quick turn of his foot he 
threw his antagonist heavily, and, bestriding 
him, demanded a promise that he would no 
longer abuse his beast. 

^^Give me your word you’ll treat the poor 
creature better, and I’ll let you up ; else you stay 
where you are till somebody comes along.” 

His rage was dying down. felt ashamed 
of it,” he wrote Lucy afterwards, giving some 
account of the scene, ^^not of my righteous anger, 



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OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


55 


SO to call it, at the cruelty to the poor animal, 
but the way it raised Cain in me. I did not 
know I could get so mad. I thought I had more 
self-control.’’ 

The man, somewhat subdued, hesitated. 

^^Hoity, toity, what’s this?” cried a voice, 
and an elderly gentleman came up beside them. 

^^He’s got to promise he’ll stop abusing his 
horse, or I’ll not let him up,” cried Arthur, as 
he glanced at his questioner, still keeping his 
hold and recognizing an eccentric old bachelor, 
who lived alone, save for his servants, and was 
a familiar figure in the town. 

^^Ought to be put out of his misery,” said 
the old man looking at the crippled beast. ^^He’s 
past work. You’re a case for the Society for 
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” addressing 
himself to the prostrate owner. ^^But who made 
you a judge, young man ?” 

^^Promise,” persisted Arthur, loosening his 
hold. The man muttered some sort of assent, 
and both sprang to their feet. 

^Tt was a fair fight, now shake hands !” said 
the victor, extending his, which the other took 
somewhat reluctantly. 

^^I^ow give us your name and address,” de- 


50 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


manded the old gentleman, ^^both of you. I’ll 
see that the horse is put out to grass, or hu- 
manely relieved of his suffering,” and in re- 
sponse to the owner’s apprehensive protest, ^^I’ll 
see that you get a better one if you behave your- 
self and promise to be decent to your beast.” 

^^Black,” said the carter, ^^number 2, Price 
street,” and ^^Arthur I^orris, at the college!” 
said the young man. 

^^So it is horses, not ladies, you are rescuing, 
my young Knight Errant! Kot half bad, not 
half bad, but you are going to have a handsome 
face to pay for it.” 

^^I’m afraid so,” said Arthur ruefully. 

^^I’ll see you again some time. John Blanch- 
ard, at your service.” And swinging the cane 
he held, the one walked on, the others following 
more slowly. 

Mr. Blanchard was as good as his word ; for 
the horse was mercifully cared for, and the car- 
ter was put in the way of getting a better beast, 
on condition of his better treatment, and an eye 
was kept on Black’s further proceedings. 

As to Arthur he had, quite unwittingly, 
made a friend. Beserved, almost shy, the elder 
kept much to himself ; but the boy had won his 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


57 


regard at their first meeting, and was soon made 
welcome at the lonely house. He was made free 
in the use of a splendid library, and in various 
ways encouraged to come. 

So he fell into the habit of dropping in to 
look at this or that particular book, and enter- 
ing into discussions with its owner on various 
subjects — politics, religion, and the affairs of 
the world in general. 

They by no means always agi’eed, and the 
old gentleman would sometimes grow quite 
testy, exclaiming, ^^You conceited young Jack- 
anapes ! You think you know it all P’ But if 
they ever came near a quarrel it was short lived, 
and did not mar their growing friendship. 

Arthur realized the loneliness which the old 
man felt but did not express, and it was with 
great satisfaction that he managed to bring him 
into contact with his pet friends, Eleanor Eay- 
mond and her baby, trusting to her skill and 
kindness to lend a ray of brightness to a sombre 
life, and was much pleased to see how kindly 
they took to each other, and quite delighted one 
day to find the baby in Mr. Blanchard’s arms. 

''Look out, Arthur,” said the mother laugh- 
ing, "or Mr. Blanchard may supplant you in 


58 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


Miss Raymond’s affections. I am afraid she is 
a bit of a flirt.” 

^^Like her mother before her perhaps,” said 
the elder j but Eleanor’s gentle friendliness so 
won upon him that, in time, the lonely old man 
poured into her sympathetic ear the whole story 
of his life’s experiences and disappointments. 

^^My dear boy,” said she one day to Arthur, 
laying her hand affectionately on his shoulder, 
^4t is not the least of your many kindnesses that 
you have brought us together. I am so glad to 
be of use to him, and he interests me very 
much,” 


CHAPTER TWELFTH 


THE BALL GAME 

TOVER at Yale — a good fellow, 
too, in many ways — thought of les- 
sons, ^^in company with the major- 
ity of his class, as a laborious task, 
a sort of necessary evil, the price to be paid for 
the privilege of passing four years in pleasant 
places with congenial companions.’^ 

But Arthur was of the few who mentally 
held the balance between his regular studies and 
the sports of the field, which he also loved. With 
all his enthusiasms, his active interests and his 
ardent nature, two things held him steadily to 
his work: his affection for Lucy, and the long 
felt determination to devote his life to what he 
considered the highest calling, the ministry. 

His lithe, vigorous, well knit frame stood 
the strain upon it wonderfully. Foot ball, base 
ball, running, rowing, each had a share of his 
attention and effort, but throughout he kept 
steadily in view his life’s purpose. 



60 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


Music also claimed a part of his time. He 
and Lucy had often sung together, and loved it. 
Both voices were clear and sweet, and harmon- 
ized well. At college he was promptly elected 
to the Musical Association and the chapel choir, 
and he never, if possible, missed either rehear- 
sals, public occasions, or services. 

He played the piano not specially well, but 
with accuracy and feeling, and both he and 
Lucy were satisfactory accompanists. Some- 
times, too, he played upon the flute as an extra 
pleasure or amusement. 

^^The violin is, of course, worth much more 
and I should love to be a master of its technique, 
but I have to stop somewhere, and it takes too 
much time, though it seems to me the most soul- 
ful of instruments,’’ he said. 

^Terhaps when we go to that country par- 
ish,” Lucy rejoined, ^^you may And time to take 
it up; you have the music in you, and it only 
needs a little study.” 

^Terhaps,” he answered doubtfully, and 
then with his usual laugh, ^^a Addling parson! 
Does that sound well ?” 

One of the great delights of these four years 
was a brief visit made by Miss Scott and Lucy 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


61 


to Eleanor Raymond. All seemed wonderful, 
particularly so to Aunt Han. 

are such stay-at-homes/’ she said. 

It would be hard to decide whether Arthur 
or the guests enjoyed it the most. And now 
they became acquainted with what Arthur called 
his ^^Specialties,” the Raymond baby, Mr. 
Blanchard, and Patrick Smit ; and the last 
named, dressed in his best and perfectly sober, 
was delighted to escort the ladies around when 
Arthur was too busy. Both won his heart and, 

^^Sure, your little lady-love’s a peach, your 
Honor,” was his comment, which Arthur appre- 
ciated as much as a more finely turned compli- 
ment. 

What pleasure they had in some early tea 
drinkings at the Raymonds’, early on the baby’s 
account, where Mr. Raymond, too, put in an 
appearance, and all bowed at the shrine of the 
dimpled darling, the centre of admiration and 
attention. 

Jack Raymond was a man of business, but, 
living in a college town, though he was not a 
scholar, he was interested in all the college do- 
ings, particularly when he had any special ac- 
quaintance in the classes; and no one, hardly 


62 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


the performers themselves, was more interested 
in the college games. 

you were only a boy, my lady,’’ he said, 
giving his daughter a playful toss, which called 
forth shouts of delight, ^^you should be on the 
foot ball team.” 

suppose nothing less than basket ball will 
suit her when the time comes,” said her mother 
rather ruefully, ^^and it is sometimes so rough.” 

There was to be a great foot ball game in 
which Arthur took part, and at which all his 
party were to be present ; and, while the boy was 
enthusiastic over the game itself, he was also 
most anxious to know how it would affect Aunt 
Han and Lucy, who had never seen a match. 

Mr. Blanchard escorted Eleanor, Jack Bay- 
mond took care of Lucy, and Aunt Han, by 
special request, had Patrick allotted to her. 
Arthur was anxious to have them become better 
acquainted; for he had in his mind a private 
scheme of putting Patrick more directly under 
that lady’s influence at some future time. 

The two most unfamiliar with the scene 
drew in their breath as they were ushered into 
the huge enclosure, large enough to hold an in- 
verted pyramid of Egypt, and saAv the high tiers 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


63 


of seats fast crowding with people on all four 
sides. 

^^Oh, that they would press in like this to 
hear the gospel/^ murmured Miss Scott, half to 
herself, and Patrick replied, guarding his lady 
carefully from the mass of humanity around, 

^^Sure, and the biggest crowds anywhere 
come to see these fights.’’ 

^^Fights !” exclaimed Aunt Han in alarm. 

^^Oh, nobody’s killed, ma’am, and ye’ll say 
it’s a foine sight. I’ve seen it meself mostly 
through peep holes in the fence, but to-day it’ll 
be bully looking at it.” 

Climbing to their seats, which were some- 
what aloft, the two country ladies began to take 
in the scene : the four great tiers of seats filled 
to overflowing, the lines of white faces looking 
sometimes like a wide ribbon across, the oppos- 
ing members of the rival colleges, the cheer 
leaders in their white suits and with their big 
megaphones, the coaches, the ropes which 
bounded the square, where a few men talked to- 
gether, the goals, which Aunt Han said were 
^^like clothes horses,” and the white lines drawn 
across the ground ; while most interesting of all 
were the players themselves, in their khaki suits 


Ci 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


and distinguishing stockings and other marks. 

Soon Arthur’s slight form was singled out 
for notice, and two pair of eyes were focussed 
upon him rather than on the rest of the players. 
Then the bugle sounded and the game began; 
there was a mad rush, Arthur in advance, the 
slightest of the party, and down upon him fell 
the squirming mass of figures, legs and arms 
brandishing in all directions. 

Aunt Han uttered a low cry and buried her 
face in her hands; Lucy, now and then asking 
Jack Eaymond for explanation of some of the 
manoeuvres, turned pale and was silent, while 
Jack Eaymond and Patrick howled aloud, and 
Eleanor and Mr. Blanchard, seasoned to the 
sight, looked smilingly on. In a moment Arthur 
had freed himself from the avalanche, and was 
running lightly across the field, the ball in his 
arms. 

^^What are those crazy fellows doing asked 
Aunt Han, peeping up again as the cheer lead- 
ers bent, contorted and shouted. ^T’m sure they 
are only fit for an insane asylum !” 

In kicking and running Arthur excelled, 
though too slightly built to distinguish himself 
in other parts of the game. How and then came 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


65 


the rests when our two spectators drew breath, 
and as the struggle went on Aunt Han alter- 
nately looked and hid her face, murmuring from 
time to time, 

^^Oh, they’ll kill him !” 

while Lucy, now pale, now flushing, kept her 
gaze fixed upon the scene. It was a new ex- 
perience to both, and one they never forgot. 
When Arthur’s side was victorious, and he made 
a kick which decided the combat that had seemed 
previously in doubt, he was hoisted on the 
shoulders of his comrades and borne off the field 
in triumph. Jack Eaymond and Patrick shouted 
themselves nearly hoarse. 

^^Well, no doubt it was very fine,” said Aunt 
Han, ^^and I am thankful my dear boy is safe 
and enjoys his laurels; but I don’t want to see 
another.” 


CHAPTER THIRTEENTH 


GEADUATION 

IME moved on swiftly, and at last 
the commencement and Arthur’s 
graduation arrived. A party from 
home came to be present on the 
great occasion, and, like all the other fellows, 
he was happy in welcoming his gniests. Com- 
fortable quarters were engaged for them, and 
his uncle and aunt, Aunt Han, Lucy and 
Marian Ray were all included. 

Arthur was full of his usual eagerness over 
the affair, but regret also tinged his feelings ; it 
meant breaking up the pleasant and helpful 
associations of the last few years, parting with 
many friends, and chiefly saying goodbye to the 
Raymonds, Mr. Blanchard, and even Patrick. 

Aunt Han was rather overwhelmed and 
somewhat oppressed by the luxury which sur- 
rounded her; but Mr. Horris and Arthur had 
made possible what might othemise have been 




OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


67 


unattainable, and she endeavored to give herself 
up to the full pleasure of the occasion. 

To Lucy it was a dream of bliss, and brought 
nearer the time when she and Arthur would be 
always together; while Mrs. Korris was in one 
of her best humors, and quite proud of the two 
unmistakably pretty girls she was chaperoning. 

^^Are they not dears. Auntie?’’ Arthur ex- 
claimed enthusiastically, and Mrs. i^orris smil- 
ingly admitted that they were. Indeed her for- 
eign travels had seldom afforded her an experi- 
ence which she more thoroughly enjoyed. The 
companionship of happy youth is always in- 
spiring. 

On the great day of the commencement 
every one was early astir, and larger or smaller 
parties were continually crossing the beautiful 
campus — family parties, bevies of young girls 
and attendant youth, all in gay spirits; though 
these last reflected now and then, somewhat rue- 
fully, on the fact that they were leaving these 
pleasant scenes, and wondered with some anx- 
iety, if they were the speakers of the occasion, 
whether they would get through their part suc- 
cessfully. 

At last our friends had taken up their posi- 


68 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


tion in the great hall where the exercises were 
held, and Aunt Han drew a long breath, and 
hoped her dear boy would be as successful in his 
valedictory speech as he had been before in the 
ball game. Lucy felt proudly sure of him, and 
both pair of eyes were eagerly searching for him 
in the great throng. 

Tiers and tiers of faces looked down upon 
the platform where sat the president, the pro- 
fessors, and the distinguished guests, while the 
classes were drawn up in their separate sections, 
the graduating class in front. Prayers, ad- 
dresses and music followed in succession, but 
the great interest of the occasion was the clos- 
ing speech by the valedictorian, Arthur Horris. 

How slight and boyish he looked as he came 
forward, bowing gracefully ! Total lack of self- 
consciousness always gave charm to his speech 
and actions. His subject was ^^Patriotism, the 
False and the True.’’ Patriotism meant loy- 
alty to a cause, a country, a nation, not party- 
ism. How frequently one had been confounded 
with the other. He drew a strong picture of 
the mistakes and failures of this course, then, 
warming to his subject, he waxed eloquent over 
the ideal. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


We have the most beautiful ideals of any 
land, but alas, how far we are from living up 
to them ! He compared the country to a great 
building of which each individual was a single 
stone, and urged upon his hearers that each one 
should so fashion, perfect and finish his small 
share, that the entire edifice should be a perfect 
structure. Weak and imperfect masonry 
jeopardized the whole. We are holding out our 
arms to the inhabited globe, and, believing in 
the promises we make, the inducements we offer, 
they are crowding in upon us. 

^^Let us see to it that we receive and aid 
them in the right spirit; that we teach them 
what true patriotism means, and that they learn 
from us to live fuller, better, cleaner lives, so 
that, when they become assimilated and a very 
part of us, they shall only add to our strength 
in the truest sense. The men of our land, the 
men of the world, are our brothers; let us 
realize, each one of us in his own heart, the true 
brotherhood of man.’’ 

Whether they all agreed with his sentiments 
or not, there was something very winning in the 
fiushed young face, the ardent voice, the soul- 
ful eyes. The applause was deafening, and 


70 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


many valuable gifts were showered upon the 
young orator. His own party received him 
most warmly. 

His uncle slapped him on the shoulder with 
a ^‘Well done, good fellow!’’ His aunt smiled 
approvingly. Aunt Han murmured, ^^God bless 
you, my boy!” while Lucy only pressed his 
hand, and looked in his face with an expression 
that spoke volumes. 

The last great event of the commencement 
season was the ball, to which perhaps Marian 
Eay looked forward more enthusiastically than 
any of the rest. Aunt Han decided that it was 
the one occasion on which she would not appear, 
and even Arthur’s persuasions did not induce 
her to change this resolution. 

So Mr. and Mrs. N^orris, the two girls, 
Arthur, and a special young friend of his made 
up the set. Mrs. ^Torris was resplendent in 
black velvet, white lace and diamonds, an un- 
mistakably handsome woman. Marian wore 
white with touches of rose color, and Lucy was, 
as Arthur pronounced her, a ^^dream,” in pale 
green, with a bunch of white roses, his gift, 
pinned to her side. 

^^You’re a water nymph, you ought to have 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


71 


pond lilies!” Arthur said laughing, but Lucy 
kissed her roses for reply. Marian was in the 
gayest spirits; her card was soon filled by the 
many pleasant young fellows with whom Arthur 
made her acquainted, and she did not miss a 
single dance. 

Lucy, on the contrary, preferred to sit 
through many of them, talking with Arthur and 
other partners. But once or twice he playfully 
seized her hand, drawing her to her feet, and 
they fairly floated away, so light and graceful 
were they both. 

^Must once or twice before I sober down!” 
Arthur whispered. ^^After this comes true hon- 
est work, and little time for play and frivolity,” 
and many eyes approvingly followed the win- 
some young couple. 


CHAPTER FOURTEENTH 


THE FIEE 



RTHUR’S following years were 
chiefly spent in a theological semi- 
nary in a more distant city, and his 
visits home were less frquent. This 
was caused by his absorption in his studies, and 
in missionary work which he undertook among 
the poor in the tenement houses in the lower 
part of the city. In this he became so inter- 
ested that he wrote Lucy again : 

^^Oh, my dear, don’t urge me to a country 
parish; perhaps we can go to that in our later 
years, but here, in the thick of the fight against 
sin and suffering, close to my brother man, 
where I can, as it were, feel his heart beats, is 
the place I am called to. I am not yet ready 
for a life of comparative ease and leisure. I do 
not pretend to say there is not work enough 
everywhere, but for me the centre of the bat- 
tle !” And Lucy, somewhat sadly, put away her 
pleasant visions. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


73 


Another renunciation was also in store for 
her. Mr. and Mrs. E^orris decided on another 
brief trip abroad, and offered to take Lucy with 
them as their guest. Indeed, they even pressed 
the invitation, and Arthur, though realizing it 
meant a long separation, added his voice. But 
Lucy’s step-mother so violently opposed the 
plan that it was finally abandoned, and Marian 
Ray was invited to take her place. 

think it would be too bad for you to go 
and leave us now, really selfish, when you will 
be married before long and leave us for good 
and all ; and I do not feel that I can get along 
without you till the children are older,” said 
Mrs. Dayton. 

Lucy’s father had given his consent, but in 
his heart rejoiced not to part with his beloved 
girl ; and, while Lucy herself was disappointed, 
she felt the more reconciled as she realized in 
part her father’s feelings ; and a further separa- 
tion from Arthur would assuredly have its re- 
grets. 

never saw such a selfish woman as that 
Mrs. Dayton!” said Mrs. ISTorris, indignantly, 
^^and I wanted Lucy. However, it is nice to 
have a young person along, and Marian is a 


74 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


bright, attractive girl, more full of life than 
Lucy, and I sometimes wish Arthur had fancied 
her instead/’ 

^^Oh, no, the quiet little Puss for me!” said 
Mr. Norris. ^^She is full of character and has 
great charm.” 

^AVell, well,” said his wife indulgently, 
^^everybody to his taste; we’d better all choose 
our own partners. They are both nice, pretty 
girls, and it would be pleasant to have either or 
both with us.” 

^^Oh!” cried Marian, when they next met, 

feel as if I were stealing your good things I 
But it is so jolly to go,” and she threw her arms 
round Lucy. 

^^So you don’t steal Arthur,” said Lucy play- 
fully, ^That is all I ask!” 

^^Oh, that would be like trying to move the 
rock of Gibraltar,” Marian laughed back; 
don’t know who would attempt it!” 

The absence of the party sent Arthur to 
Aunt Han instead of to his uncle’s, on his visits 
home, over which that good lady unfeignedly 
rejoiced. 

Meanwhile Arthur, rejoicing also somewhat 
that Lucy was not to be so far removed, though 



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OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


75 


regretting her disappointment, applied himself 
diligently to lectures and classes; tahing for 
recreation an occasional trip, walking or riding, 
into the country, but spending as much time as 
he could spare in the slums of the great town, 
studying conditions and looking out for oppor- 
tunities of helpfulness. 

E'ow and again he would rescue a drunken 
man or woman from the gutter, and send them 
on their way with some pleasant admonition; 
or some forlorn child, or wandering female, ap- 
pealed to him, or he would enter into a fight, 
letting it come to a conclusion, if it seemed best 
so to do. 

^^They will never be satisfied till they get 
rid of their bad blood,^’ he would say, ^^and 
to interfere now would merely be a postpone- 
ment of the trouble, to be renewed at the earliest 
oj^portunity.’’ 

Or at other times he would try and find out 
the cause of the difficulty, and endeavor to arbi- 
trate between the combatants. It was often a 
thankless task, but he was never discouraged. 

One day he picked up a little waif, stray, 
torn, ragged, dirty, miserable, and lost. By 
dint of gentle questioning, and his own mother 


76 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


wit, he finally discovered and took her to her 
home. It was one of the largest and most for- 
lorn of the tenement houses he had seen, swarm- 
ing with people, with rickety stairs, broken 
windows, and forlorn generally. His heart 
swelled with indignation. 

‘^What a shame,’’ he said to himself, ^^for 
the ovmer to leave people in conditions like this ! 
It is little better than a pig-sty.” 

He restored the child to a not too amiable 
mother, and came often to see what lay in his 
power to better conditions. Here a drunken 
couple, always quarrelling, interested him ; 
there a poor woman with a number of children 
and a drunken husband, too, who struggled 
along as she could, and tried to take in washing. 

Again he discovered two women of more 
than doubtful character; and one poor old soul, 
all alone, whom he eventually succeeded in 
transporting to a comfortable charitable organi- 
zation, where her condition was greatly im- 
proved, and she was much happier. Every- 
where dirt, misery, depression, or railing 
against those better off than themselves. It was 
hard to decide how much the circumstances and 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


77 


environment were responsible, and bow far the 
sufferers themselves were at fault. 

think I have found my parish,’^ he wrote 
Lucy, and was happy in the belief that his ef- 
forts availed somewhat for the general improve- 
ment. At first he was met with indifference 
and even surliness; but gradually, as his slight 
figure and smiling morning face became fa- 
miliar, he was tolerated, and finally gladly wel- 
comed. 

He had just entered the house one day when 
the cry of fire was raised, and, looking up, he 
saw clouds of smoke pouring out of an upper 
window. He knew the house to be little better 
than a tinder-box, and feared that it would go 
so quickly that there might be small chance for 
those in the upper stories to escape. 

Hastily soaking a handkerchief from a 
spigot, or hydrant, at the rear, he tied it over 
nose and mouth, and ran up the stairs, knock- 
ing at each door as he passed, shouting ^Tire! 
Get out Screams and cries were heard as the 
doors opened, and the inmates poured forth. 

Many were away, some working, others beg- 
ging or idling in the streets ; others climbed out 
of windows on adjacent roofs, while a motley 


78 


AUTHUR NORRIS 


crowd tumbled down the stairs already smoul- 
dering. Meanwhile a crowd collected outside; 
the fire engines had arrived, and streams of 
water had begun to pour on the house and fight 
the spreading blaze. 

Arthur reached the top, then turned and 
fled down again, leaping the last flight as he 
heard the flames crackling behind him. The 
firemen’s ladders were against the building, but, 
to his horror, as he looked up a shriek was 
heard, and a white, piteous face looked out of 
an upper window. By this time the staircase 
Avas a roaring flame. Even the firemen hesi- 
tated a moment before attempting to scale the 
ladder. 

But in that instant Arthur started to climb, 
and in an inconceivably short time reached the 
top and dragged the girl out. She was, how- 
ever, a heavy burden for his slight frame, and 
they tottered, as a cry of horror went up from 
the distracted watchers below. Another ladder 
Avas hastily placed, and, at the risk of his life, 
a brave fireman ascended and grasped the girl 
as both Avere about to fall. A net Avas held 
beloAv, and, headlong, Arthur tumbled into it. 

The shock and over-exertion told heavily 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


79 


upon him, and it was an unconscious form that 
was lifted into a hastily summoned ambulance, 
and hurried to the nearest hospital. A crash 
was heard, and the building fell as they dashed 
away. The sound roused him, and opening his 
eyes he murmured, ^^Are they all safe?” and 
relapsed into a stupor. 

^^You’re made of rubber I guess, young 
man,” said the doctor after a careful examina- 
tion. ^T’m mistaken if you don’t pull through.” 
And he did. 


CHAPTER FIFTEENTH 


THE LYHCHIHG 

CCASIONALLY Arthur was sent, 
invited, or went of his own volition, 
to hold some sort of religious serv- 
ice in outlying districts, or some 
more distant small tovm, as is not unfrequently 
the case with theological students ; and he 
rather enjoyed these trips, as they seemed to 
widen his experiences, and put him in touch 
with a greater variety of Christian work. 

But now came an ordeal which was one of 
the most trying he had ever encountered. He 
was to stay over Sunday in a small town with 
which he had little acquaintance, and it so 
chanced that Patrick Smit was with him. That 
worthy made him visits occasionally, and always 
insisted on accompanying him wherever he was 
going. 

^^Sure!’’ said Patrick, jingling money in 
his pocket, can pay me way. I like to see 




OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


81 


the world, and travel with me boss,’’ and, as 
Arthur had grown quite attached to his protege, 
he was glad of his company, and cheered to see 
that the improvement in his manners and morals 
continued. 

As he wandered through the town in the 
dusk a sinister rumor reached Arthur’s ears. A 
negro, of no very good reputation, was accused 
of a heinous crime. There were muttered 
threats of violence and he heard the words, 
^T.ynch him!” 

He was walking through one of the smallest 
streets, and paused in horror at the thought ; the 
little houses on either side seemed shabby and 
dirty, but suggested thriftlessness rather than 
active evil. Yet he knew how quickly such 
things grow; if there was any truth in the 
rumor, something must be done and at once to 
prevent such a breach of law and order, such 
a cruel, sinful travesty of justice. But what 
could he, an almost total stranger, do? 

He passed into another street, and encoun- 
tered several groups of men at comers, appar- 
ently whispering together. How and then a 
voice broke out more loudly, or an oath was 
heard. Arthur stopped the next respectable 


82 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


man he met, and asked if there could be any 
truth in such a thing. The man shrugged his 
shoulders. 

there is any such deviltry going on, you 
had better keep out of it.” 

^^But surely,” said the younger, with heat, 
^^you would not permit such an atrocity, with- 
out a single effort to prevent it ?” 

The man shook his head and passed on. 
Arthur walked quickly to the end of the street; 
there could be no doubt, a mob was certainly 
gathering — and a mob in an ugly mood. 

He hurried back to the little hotel where 
he was stopping, and summoned Patrick. 

^^Will you stand by me?” he questioned, 
after a few words of explanation. 

don’t care for all the blasted niggers in 
the world, but I’ll stand by you forever,” was 
the reply. 

^^Come, then,” said Arthur briefly, and to- 
gether they went from house to house, begging 
the men to help. Some were incredulous of the 
story, some derided, some turned a deaf ear 
and almost shut the door in their faces. Others 
showed sympathy with the possible perpetrator 
of the crime, more refused to mix themselves 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


83 


up with the affair, and warned Arthur to keep 
clear of it. 

^^Thejh’e afraid of a shindy and their own 
skins,’’ said Patrick, contemptuously. 

Arthur drew a labored breath. ‘^Come,” he 
said, ^^or we may be too late.” 

A few, mostly young men, agreed to join 
him, moved by the fervor of his appeal, or 
curiosity to see what was going on, and what 
would come of it. One of them he begged to 
take his automobile and find and bring the 
sheriff. The owner agreed, and putting speed 
on the large machine shot away into darkness. 

The rest went with Arthur, and proceeded 
in the direction whither a growing crowd 
seemed to be moving. The mob had swollen in 
size, and many had their faces partly concealed 
by hastily constructed masks. A narrow path- 
way led circuitously to a point some distance 
from the edge of the town. The crowd moved 
on in comparative silence, but hoarse voices 
muttered now and again. 

In an open field a fire was being hastily 
built, fence rails, barrels, branches of trees and 
long boards were thro'wn upon it. A wretched 
being, begging, howling for mercy, was dragged 


84 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


towards it and placed on top. Some one ap- 
plied a torch. With one spring Arthur joined 
the helpless victim, who turned and clung to 
him. As he mounted the pile Arthur kicked 
aside some of the kindlings. 

^^Cowards P’ he cried, his voice like a clarion 
peal; ‘^hundreds against one! You’ll bum me 
too if you set this afire 1” 

An angry murmur rose from the crowd. 

^^Hold your blasted tongue 1 Get out of this. 
It’s none of your affair.” 

^^It is my affair, it is the affair of every 
decent man to stop such anarchy. Let the law 
take its course.” 

A howl of derision greeted him. 

^^Let me beseech you,” he went on un- 
daunted, ^ffo spare yourselves the remorse that 
will be sure to follow such a deed.” 

On poured a torrent of words, persuasion, 
entreaty, invective. He was talking against 
time, but talking with fervor, with eloquence, 
with passion, and the crowd listened, moved by 
the human appeal. 

How and then some ruffian or thoughtless 
boy would start the fire again, owing him a 
grudge for delaying the exciting spectacle they 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


85 


had anticipated, beside which a theatrical per- 
formance would seem tame, while Patrick, and 
the few that had come with Arthur and himself, 
as rapidly extinguished it. 

But presently the mob wearied, and sticks 
and stones began to fly, developing into, first, 
a scrimmage, then a fight. Still Arthur pleaded 
and held close to the trembling negro, whose 
cries had died down, but who moaned his terror. 

A shout, and an automobile dashed into the 
crowd. The burly sheriff, revolver in hand, 
faced the writhing mass of human beings who, 
panic stricken, gave way before him. 

^^Hold back, all of you,” he thundered, ^^or 
Ifil shoot ! This is the business of the law, not 
yours — ^you pack of fools ! Get to your homes, 
if you don’t want to be put in the lock-up !” 

A moment more and the negro, Arthur and 
Patrick were hustled into the machine, already 
occupied by the sheriff’s posse, which, putting 
on all speed, rushed away, followed by a fusil- 
lade of oaths and stones. 

^^You fellows had a narrow squeak of it,” 
said the leader, mopping his brow. ^^A mob’s 
a nasty thing to face, but a few determined 
men can do something — now and then.” 


86 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


So the town was saved the commission of a 
great crime ; while, still struggling and fighting 
each other, the crowd gradually melted away. 


CHAPTER SIXTEENTH 


THE MISSIONAEY CALL 

OW and then Arthur’s uncle and 
aunt, after their return from for- 
eign parts, would spend a few days 
in the city where he was studying, 
and once or twice Lucy was included in the 
party, thus giving the young people an occa- 
sional opportunity to be together. When Ar- 
thur should have completed his course both 
looked forward with joy to their marriage. 

^Tt has had to be put off too long,” he said. 

^AVe began too young,” she smilingly re- 
plied. 

They took long walks or rides together when 
he could spare the time, and he showed her the 
so-called ^^Slum” district, to which he devoted 
many hours. 

^^Arthur, why do you take Lucy to such 
horrid places?” protested his aunt. ^^You’ll 
both of you be swallowing bad germs of some 
sort, and make yourselves ill.” 




88 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


^^Lucj wants to see where I work/’ he an- 
swered gravely, ^Vhere perhaps we shall both 
work in future. But,” with his usual happy 
smile, am sure we have good germs hidden 
away in us somewhere, and they’ll have to fight 
the bad ones.” 

suppose you are incorrigible,” she an- 
swered, ‘^but I do hate you to take such risks.” 

^^We only take them abroad,” said her hus- 
band, in a slightly mocking tone, ^Vhere the 
picturesqueness covers both dirt and germs, 
don’t we, my dear?” 

^^Oh, well, it seems different,” she said, 
and dropped the subject. 

Arthur’s choice of the ministry was rather 
a trial to her. She was really very fond of 
him, and would have been glad to see him a 
prominent member of the legal profession (in 
which her own father had been a distinguished 
judge), married to a brilliant wife who would 
have been a social leader, and she regretted to 
see her dear boy ^^hide himself,” as she termed 
it, in the humbler walks and work of a clerical 
life. 

^^He is so bright and talented,” she mourned 
to her husband, ^fit seems a shame for him to 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


89 


bury himself.’^ But a greater blow was still 
in store for her. 

Lucy and Arthur wandered around to vari- 
ous churches enjoying the different services; 
but the choice of both was the smaller churches, 
and the simpler services. 

know this is rather a desultory way of 
church going,’’ said Arthur, ^^and I don’t do it 
as a rule, but I want you to see something of 
the city.” 

Of his experience at the attempted lynch- 
ing he was loath to talk, even to her, and she 
shuddered at the thought of what might have 
been. It had made a painful and life-long im- 
pression on him, and both avoided the topic. 

One evening they entered a rather small 
church, with a somewhat slim congregation, but 
lent their voices to the singing with their usual 
interest and enthusiasm. Before the preacher 
for the evening advanced, the clergyman of the 
parish spoke a few words of introduction. 

‘AVe have with us,” he said, ‘‘a brother from 
the distant land of China, who will tell us of 
his work. I am sorry there are not more of us 
to welcome him, but a hearty welcome from 
the few is better than a colder one from the 


90 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


many, and I hope, as far as lies in our power, 
we will bid him God speed with our prayers 
and our offerings. And who can tell whether 
there may not be among us some one, touched 
by his appeal, ready to offer, not only a share 
of his pocket book, but, what is of far more 
value, his personal service as well?’^ 

Arthur and Lucy started. It seemed as if a 
chord vibrated in both hearts. 

The missionary came forward, a slightly 
built, bronzed, earnest looking man, whose heart 
Avas all in his Avork, into the account of which 
he plunged at once. 

^^Like the cry from Macedonia,” he said, 
beg you to come over and help us. The field 
is so wide, the laborers so comparatively few. 
I knoAV there is work always to be done at home, 
but both opportunity and help seem at your 
A^ery door. There are already signs of a polit- 
ical change in China. If that should come, 
there will be still wider opportunities of use- 
fulness, and America, free America, will be the 
model on which China will try to mould herself. 

^^There are many there noAv who incline 
to be Christians, but the majority of the people 
have yet no idea Avhat Christianity means. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


91 


There is work, work everywhere, teaching, help 
in the hospitals, practical instruction of all 
sorts. We gather the men in small meetings, 
and are sometimes surprised at the interest they 
show, and the intelligent questions they ask. 

^^Our women workers go among the women, 
and teach them better ways of living and the 
Gospel story. Their lives have been hard, down- 
trodden; our missionaries come to them bring- 
ing light into the darkness which has so long 
enveloped them. And think of the millions that 
need your help 

He went on earnestly, giving statistics and 
stories, and making appeals. It was plain to 
be seen that he spoke from a full heart, and his 
earnestness touched his hearers, so that the plate 
was carried back with a really noble offering, 
considering the number of those present. 

^^Shall we go and talk to him?’’ Arthur 
questioned after the service, a little doubtfully 
perhaps, but with the keenness of desire in his 
eyes. 

^^Certainly, if you wish!” Lucy answered, 
with her gentle smile, and they were soon en- 
gaged in earnest conversation with the late 
speaker. 


92 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


^^You are young and strong, I judge!’’ 

^^Pretty wiry,” interpolated Arthur, ^^at 
least I am.” 

^^And enthusiastic, I am sure. Just the 
material we need to come to the aid of us older 
workers. Thank God if He has put it into 
your hearts to become one of us. It puts fresh 
courage into me to think that any words of mine 
may have kindled within you the missionary 
spirit. Believe me, it is a blessed service.” 
And he pressed their hands as they turned away. 

They walked on in silence, hand in hand 
for a little while, then Arthur spoke. 

^Ts it a call? And could you, my Lucy, 
knowing all it involves, respond ?” 

^^Whither thou goest I will go,” was her 
quiet answer. 


CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH 


THE FUTURE 



HEN Lucy’s and Arthur’s resolu- 
tion to go to China as mission- 
aries became known, there was 
great opposition in the family cir- 
cle on both sides. 

^^Oh, my dear boy, this is really too bad!” 
protested Mr. Norris, and Mrs. Norris turned 
her back on Arthur and would hardly speak to 
him, though her eyes were full of tears. 

^^Oh, Auntie dear,” he cried in his old play- 
ful way, shall just be your boy the same as 
ever, and it will give you a new foreign coun- 
try to investigate; for of course you’ll have to 
come and see us.” 

^AVhy China?” she questioned. ^‘1 never 
could bear those people,” and refused to be com- 
forted. 

Mrs. Dayton even besought her husband to 
forbid the marriage, saying it was a shame for 


94 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


Ai-thur to drag Lucy way off there. But he 
only shook his head sadly. 

^^They are old enough to decide for them- 
selves; I cannot interfere, and my child has 
her heart in it, too, and goes willingly. ’Tis 
a noble life, but too high for me.’’ 

Aunt Han alone encouraged and cheered 
them; putting aside her own sense of personal 
loss, she rejoiced in their determination. 

^^It is the highest, the very highest calling,” 
she said. am only too glad my dear boy is 
worthy of it.” 

^^You remember Jonadab, the son of Ee- 
chab ?” Arthur said with his old smile, and she 
bowed her head. 

^^Oh, dear Aunt Han,” he added, ^^it has 
been a comfort to have you take it so ; the gen- 
eral opposition has been a real trial, though not 
an unexpected one. They cannot see it as Lucy 
and I do.” 

only wish I were young enough to go 
with you,” she said. 

wish so, too, you dear thing. What use 
you would be ! But there are plenty for you to 
look after here, and I mean to put Patrick in 
your hands before I go. He will be loyal to 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


95 


such a charge, I am sure, though you must not 
expect perfection, and I shall be easier in mind 
about you both.” 

^^Can’t you stop Arthur’s supplies,” asked 
Mrs. E'orris, ^^to put an end to this mad 
scheme ?” 

^^E’o,” answered her husband, ^^he has a 
little of his own, you know, and I would not 
have it on my conscience to take such measures. 
He has a right to his own life.” 

And this was indeed a rather distressing 
problem to Arthur himself; he owed much to 
his uncle and hated to feel himself in opposi- 
tion to him, while he was really very fond of 
his aunt as well, though sometimes finding her 
words and ways a little trying. 

But liberty of action was coming from an 
unexpected quarter. Word arrived at this junc- 
ture of the sudden death of Mr. Blanchard, who 
was found unconscious in his bed, and soon 
passed away. Great was the general surprise 
when it was learned that he had made Arthur 
his chief heir. 

The business arrangements were clearly laid 
out, trustees appointed, and legacies left to 
Eleanor Eaymond’s child, and a few others ; but 


90 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


the bulk of his not inconsiderable fortune, and 
the disposal of his fine library and personal 
effects, were left entirely in Arthur’s hands. 

A very affectionate letter was also addressed 
to him. 

^^My dear boy,” it ran, ^^this will show you 
how near and dear you have become to me, in 
the few years we have known each other. I 
have never been one to give great expression to 
my feelings, but son of my own could hardly 
seem closer, and you have brightened all my 
closing years. Take that for comfort in the 
real regret I know you will feel for my loss. 

^^But do not mourn; there is little to make 
me cling to life, and I have no ties; all that 
were my own have passed away long ago. In 
your hands I leave the bulk of what I own, to do 
all the good with it that your generous heart 
will prompt, and you will, I am sure, discover 
many opportunities my duller senses have failed 
to grasp. 

only suggest that from it you shall take 
a little slice for that dear old aunt of yours, 
that she, too, may feel free to live and carry 
out her plans, and that Patrick, too, be remem- 
bered ; but I prefer that it should come through 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


97 


yoli, rather than directly from me, and I leave 
you to judge of the matter. Do allow yourself 
and that dear little wife-to-be some comforts 
and pleasures. You are wronging no one in 
accepting my gift. Feel free to use it; abuse 
it I know you will not. Farewell, son of my 
old age. 

Blanchard.’’ 

Arthur’s grief was real and serious, for he 
had loved his old friend; the blow had come 
suddenly, and he almost choked with emotion 
as he read these affectionate words. 

^^Oh, how little we know how to prize our 
friends while they are left with us!” he said. 

And now indeed the last barrier between 
Arthur and his intended work seemed to have 
fallen, and it left him without restriction as to 
the special path he should choose. 

^^Yow, my Lucy,” he said, ^Sve can do our 
work and be a burden to no one, and what a 
bliss to be able and free to give help where it 
seems to be needed 1” 

But the more worldly minded of the rela- 
tives grieved still more deeply that he should 
thus sacrifice the advantage wealth could have 
given him, as well as himself. 


CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH 


MINISTRY AND MARRIAGE 

HE two great events of Arthur’s 
history, his admission to the min- 
istry, and his marriage to Lucy — 
it seemed to him so long waited 
for — drew near. He looked forward to both 
with a sort of chastened joy. Mr. Blanchard’s 
death was a sorrow to him, and the opposition 
of his friends to the life work he had chosen, as 
well as the pain to himself in parting from 
them, had its sad aspect. 

Yet he was not for one moment turned aside 
from his purpose, realizing that there must be 
a price paid for all the great ventures of life. 
He kept in touch with various missionary or- 
ganizations, but for the present at least cast in 
his lot with none of them. 

^^Now that my dear friend has made me 
independent,” he said to Lucy, ‘H can afford 
to take time to look over the ground, and decide 




OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


99 


where my efforts are most needed and will be 
most helpful. I sujDpose it will be the same 
thing that it often is in foreign travel; not 
what to choose, but what not to choose. And 
of course eventually I propose to put myself 
under some guidance. 

am not so foolish as to suppose I could 
best work alone, or that a general glance at the 
situation would give me the insight, wisdom 
and judgment of those who have had years of 
experience. My temptation may be towards 
rashness, but I shall try and be reasonable, and 
you, dear girl, must help me.” 

^Then, too,” said Lucy, ^^to study the lan- 
guage will take some time, and without that 
one is but poorly equipped for work.” 

^^It is certainly a problem,” he went on 
thoughtfully, ^^to give them the best of Western 
life and ideas, and yet not commit the folly of 
trying to change their whole habits and nature.” 

^^Sure, it’s yourself makes the sunshine!” 
was Patrick’s remark, as the day of Arthur’s 
ordination rose bright and clear. 

And indeed he had seemed to be fortunate 
on his special occasions: the gi’eat ball game, 
the Commencement, and now this day had all 


100 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


been flooded with sunshine. It was a joy to 
Arthur that the service could be held in the 
little church where he had attended since child- 
hood, and it was crowded with his friends and 
acquaintances in the town, beside the Eays and 
others from a distance ; for he had won interest 
and affection wherever he was known. 

It was his special gift that his bright face 
and winning manner attracted all whom he 
met. To-day there was a look of noble exalta- 
tion, as of one who had reached the goal of his 
hopes. And, like the moonlight to the sunlight, 
Lucy’s and Aunt Han’s countenances seemed 
to reflect the same feeling. 

It was a beautiful service, dignified and 
impressive, while both prayers and singing were 
joined in heartily by the entire congregation. 

^^How lettest Thou Thy servant depart in 
peace,” was Aunt Han’s word, as she kissed the 
brow of her darling boy after the services were 
over. 

^^Hot yet, dearie!” was Arthur’s reply, 
^^there is work for you here still, I am sure.” 

^^After this, ’tis your Reverence you’ll be,” 
said Patrick, and he called him ^^Boss” and 
^A^our Honor” no more. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


101 


Arthur had established him under the wing 
of his beloved aunt, making him feel his con- 
fidence in him, and his desire that he should 
look after and care for her when he was far 
away. Patrick was to attend to the furnace in 
winter and the garden in summer, and under- 
take as well any odd jobs that offered elsewhere ; 
and Arthur had placed in his uncle^s hands a 
trust fund, for the benefit of his aunt and Pat- 
rick, as suggested by Mr. Blanchard, so that 
he was now able to leave them both with a com- 
paratively easy mind. 

^Mnd, dear uncle,’’ he said, cannot but 
be glad that my dear old friend has put it in 
my power to carry out plans to which I know 
you are antagonistic, without my having to call 
upon you in any way.” 

^^It would be untrue for me to say that I 
heartily approve of your plans, my dear nephew, 
for I greatly regret them. It seems to me there 
is enough work within reach of home without 
your expatriating yourself, and separating from 
all who are near and dear to you. But as boy 
and man you have been a good fellow, and a 
joy and comfort to me, and you have a right to 
your own life and work. So, greatly as I re- 


102 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


gret your decision, I would not, if I could, 
interfere.” 

^^Thank you, dear sir,” replied Arthur. 
^^jS'o father could have been kinder to me than 
you have been.” 

And they wrung each other’s hands, and 
turned away in silence. 

The wedding day soon after was also as 
brilliant as heart could wish. There was a 
small and quiet little gathering in. the church. 
The desire of both the young people was that 
everything should be simple. Lucy, looking 
very fair in her white dress and veil, was ac- 
companied by Marian Ray, and Arthur by a 
young college friend. The families on both 
sides, and a few intimate friends, comprised 
the congregation. 

The church was decorated with flowers, and 
all appeared at their best. Both answered the 
questions in the marriage service with distinct- 
ness, and on the two young faces was a look of 
intense happiness. 

^^At last, my darling!” murmured Arthur 
as he turned to kiss his bride, and they walked 
down the aisle to the inspiring strains of the 
^‘Wedding March.” 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


103 


A wedding breakfast was prepared at Mr. 
Dayton’s, who tried to conceal the pain it cost 
him to give up his beloved daughter, while Mrs. 
Xorris and Mrs. Dayton, for once in harmony, 
exchanged their views and regrets, in an aside, 
at the sacrifice the young people were making 
in their intended missionary work in China. 

^^Shall we not take of our best and give it 
unto the Lord ?” said x\unt Han gently, but she 
could not infuse into them her own spirit. 

^^There is enough to do at home,” said Mrs. 
A^^orris, and think so, too!” echoed Mrs. 
Dayton. 

A fortnight’s stay at some quiet mountain 
resort rested the young people, and long dwelt 
in happy memory. Then they returned home, 
making Mr. Horris’ house headquarters, and 
began active preparations for their foreign ex- 
periences. 

The hearts of both were filled with a kind 
of exultation that at last the work they had 
decided upon lay comparatively close before 
them, while grief at parting with all they loved, 
and in a measure breaking the dear home ties, 
struggled with the other feeling. 

^Tt seems something like the Psalmist’s ex- 


104 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


pression, does it not, dear,’’ Arthur said, 
was glad when they said unto me, we will 
into the house of the Lord.’ ” 


CHAPTER NINETEENTH 


CHINA 

HE brief wedding trip, the partings, 
the voyage, were all over, and Lucy 
and Arthur had reached the foreign 
land which was to be home to them 
for many years, if not forever in this world; 
reached it at a time when the Revolution was 
at its height, which gave them many strange 
as well as sad experiences. But both wrote 
home reassuringly. 

‘^Dear Father,^’ said Lucy’s first letter, 
can imagine your anxiety about us, now that 
we have arrived in China at this particular 
juncture. But I think you need not be uneasy; 
the contesting parties both seem to respect the 
foreign element, and, though we have seen many 
sad and dreadful things already, we have so 
far been, and seem likely to continue, safe. 

^AYar is terrible, and my sympathies are di- 
vided, as I hear of, or catch glimpses of, the 




106 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


suffering on one side or the other. But Arthur 
is confident that it will result in the good of 
all, and reminds me that gold has to be tried in 
the fire before it attains full value and purity. 
I am the conservative, who would let things go 
on as they are, trying to change them by gentle 
means; he more of the radical, who feels that 
heroic measures are often necessary to accom- 
plish gTeat purposes. 

^AVe are very happy together, even in the 
midst of perils, and I rejoice in his brave, hope- 
ful, enthusiastic spirit. The new scenes and 
surroundings are very strange to us ; the 
crowded harbor, the strange looking boats, the 
people in their odd dress and the unfamiliar 
tongue, which one hears everywhere. Also the 
impassiveness of the faces struck me very much, 
but it seems sometimes with the new order of 
things as if they were waking up. 

^^Everybody we meet in the Mission Sta- 
tions and elsewhere is very kind, but the na- 
tives with their keen black eyes look at us some- 
times with friendly, sometimes with unfriendly, 
glances. The little Chinese babies are so cun- 
ning I often feel as if I would like to take them 
up and cuddle them in my arms. Here and 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


107 


there one meets an American missionary with 
a Chinese wife, but I think the races are best, 
so to speak, in their own channels. 

am longing to settle down somewhere 
and really go to work; but everything is in a 
chaotic state, and no doubt Arthur is right in 
feeling that we must wait and first look over 
the ground. I have found a dear little Chinese 
woman, whom I want to get for my own especial 
teacher, whenever we do settle down. Mean- 
Avhile I pick up what words I can, and she 
says my accent is Velly good.’ Many new 
words are coming into use to fit the changing 
situations. 

^^We have been within sound of the firing, 
we have seen burning cities, and people wounded 
and dying in the streets; but I will not dwell 
upon it, and of course we lend a helping hand 
whenever it is in our power. 

^The beds are often made of boards on 
wooden horses, only straw upon them, and a 
kind of wooden frame for a pillow and a small 
blanket for a cover. It is rather hard, but we 
are very tired, and, w’hen out of reach of the 
sound of the firing, sleep well. They use funny 


108 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


little pottery stoves, and have generally dry 
grasses and ferns for fuel. 

have tried eating with chop sticks, but 
don’t make much of a success of it. The na- 
tives are wonderfully skilful. The Chinese 
women are very brave, and lend their aid to the 
Revolution, even risking their lives by carry- 
ing bombs from place to place; but many of 
them are too strong minded in these days to 
suit timid little me. 

^The late Empress Dowager from what I 
hear of her must have been a wonderful woman. 
I wonder if she could have handled the present 
situation! Red is the general sign for happi- 
ness here, and is worn by brides. Some Chris- 
tian women sent the Empress a Bible very ele- 
gantly gotten up, which she received very gra- 
ciously, and the next day the Emperor sent out 
and bought one for himself, and he was even 
much interested in hearing about Christianity. 
It has been like yeast which is leavening the 
whole lump. 

^^At the time of the Boxer uprising, letters 
tell of such things as these: that the Christians 
were stoned, cut to pieces, quartered and burned, 
but would not deny the faith; and among the 


OR A :\IODERN KNIGHT 


109 


Christian martyrs there is a pathetic story, 
which brought tears to my eyes, of a number 
of school girls who refused to recant and were 
all killed. Think of the brave young things! 
Are not such people worth working for? 

‘^There is a story of a Chinese woman who 
wished to raise money for a school, and, not 
succeeding as she wished in interesting the offi- 
cials, committed suicide to arrest their atten- 
tion, and strange to say she succeeded. The first 
book ever written for the instruction of girls 
was by a woman contemporary with St. Paul. 

^^Some of the women can read, but many 
are very ignorant. The first kindergarten 
started so interested the children that they de- 
clined to go home, and, while at certain places 
the missionaries were at first reviled, the 
schools and churches so changed the sentiment 
in a short time that the jDeople would even ask 
how soon it would be the Sunday again. 

^Alrs. Conger, the American minister's wife, 
is said to have taken a great interest in the 
women, and tried to be helpful to them in many 
ways. At the graduation of the girls in some 
of the schools I am told the parents regretted 
that their girls were engaged, married, or 


110 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


drowned, as they had never imagined girls 
could do so much. 

Sometimes the woman among the peasants 
is hitched with a donkey to the plough. Some 
of a different class are much interested in sew- 
ing and embroidery, but on certain days in 
spring they say the dragon lifts his head, and 
they may not touch a needle. On the street 
Chinese girls may now and then be seen in 
men^s garments, but indeed their usual attire 
of jacket and trousers bears some resemblance. 

^^It is pitiful to learn how the sick were 
uncared for before Christianity and the hos- 
pitals came. White, grey and blue are their 
mourning colors. 

^^It is a curious thing that I understand the 
Chinese classics are among the purest in the 
world, while the fiction is unfit to read. 

^^The nearest little Chinese friend is telling 
by signs that it is time for a meal, so good-by. 
Tell about everything when you write, letters 
are so prized. ^^Your loving 

^‘Ljjcy:^ 


CHAPTER TWENTIETH 


THE LAND OF THE DEAGON 



EAR Aunt Han,” wrote Arthur, 
^^you will have seen my cable to 
Uncle, and the brief letter which 
followed to let him know that we 
had arrived, and were safe and well. But now 
jour run-a-way boy must write to his dear fos- 
ter mother a longer story. 

^^To no one does my heart turn with warmer 
affection than to you, who have given me your 
loving sympathy in all the events and purposes 
of my life. How hard you tried — bless you! — 
even to appreciate my ball games; and there 
have been none of my dear people who have 
entered so fully into my feelings in regard to 
the foreign work as you. 

hope Patrick takes good care of you, and 
I will write him a special letter after a while. 
But first I must say what a brick is my dear 
Lucy. I almost felt as if she might reproach 




112 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


me for plunging her into such troubled waters, 
for we are in the midst of this wonderful Kevo- 
lution, which is to bring this land out of the 
darkness of centuries into the light of a true 
civilization and a pure gospel, and she is so 
brave, so high-heartedly courageous; she pales 
but she never shrinks. 

^^We seem to be safe in the midst of dan- 
gers, for both sides in the present conflict are 
careful not to injure us. But we have seen 
sights that are sad and appalling : wounds, 
death, and even battle at a distance, of which 
I did not realize the possibility when I left 
home. Europe has not treated China well in 
the past, and the unpopularity of foreigners 
with some of the people is not to be wondered at. 

^^As a nation they have a high respect for 
books and education, and we must use tact and 
judgment in teaching them our ways. They 
now realize that Western education has much 
to do with Western prosperity, and are calling 
for teachers, even allowing Chinese Christians 
to take positions formerly forbidden them. 

^^It is a grand work, and some of our Uni- 
versities are stretching out helping hands. Har- 
vard and Yale, as well as others, are uniting 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


113 


respectively with St. John’s University in 
Shanghai in a medical department, and at dif- 
ferent points. Many of the graduates of these 
institutions are leaders in the new movement. 
Oh, that it may be granted to us to be truly 
an aid : my heart is in it ! 

^^They need money and endowments, and I 
am so thankful to dear Mr. Blanchard for giv- 
ing me the power to be practically useful. 
J^either Confucianism nor Buddhism has been 
a success; now we shall see what Christianity 
will do for these people. Some of them are 
already showing themselves true followers of 
Christ, and many young men — all honor to 
them ! — have given up fine mercantile positions 
to teach and do missionary work for a mere 
pittance. Do we do as much ? 

^Ut is very pleasant to know that our own 
William Jennings Bryan saw, and is helping 
on, the good work here, and has taken up, so 
I understand, eight boys and girls in different 
mission schools to support. It is stated that 
now there are over a hundred thousand Chris- 
tians in China, whereas a hundred years ago 
there were none. 

^^The bodies as well as the minds of these 


114 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


people must be trained, and I am looking for- 
ward to teaching boys here our games, as well 
as our military drill. There is a kinship in 
boys all the world over, and sometimes, when I 
see a merry look in the little fellows’ eyes, it 
reminds me of boys at home. 

‘^Medical missions, too, are more and more 
needed. Tuberculosis is frightfully common. 
In the country and villages the houses are built 
of mud and brick with dirt floors, and as no 
cleanliness is observed you can imagine the re- 
sult; and in the cities it is as bad or worse. 

^‘When a Chinese has a headache he pastes 
turnip skins on his temples to bring out the 
pain, and pinches his throat black and blue on 
the outside when it is sore within. When any- 
one has scarlet fever or smallpox all the friends 
go and call on the patient. Yet they have many 
books on medicine, and have learned the use 
of herbs. 

^The Chinese have always had a great re- 
gard for books, and now the demand for West- 
ern literature, which of course has to be trans- 
lated into their native tongue, is very gi’eat. 
The classics are pure, the fiction is not. Pil- 
grim’s Progress has been many times trans- 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 


115 


lated. All this has helped in this glorious Revo- 
lution. I say glorious because, although it now 
produces much suffering, the final results will 
be grand. 

^The first actual battle was at Hankow, 
after the taking of \Yuchang by the Revolution- 
ists. As we came out of church we heard gTins 
booming, and soon went to care for the wounded. 
Their spirit was noble. Some of them were mere 
boys who had only just become soldiers. 

^Oh, how it hurts they said, Tut never 
mind. We won.’ One grand Chinese Chris- 
tian physician was killed in the Boxer uprising 
because he would not burn incense to the gods! 

^‘For a week we were in the midst of boom- 
ing cannon and bursting shells. On IN^ovember 
1st, All Saints’ Day, Hankow was fired, and 
dead and wounded came floating dowm the river. 
This fire was set by the Imperialists, and was a 
magnificent sight. Churches were used for hos- 
pitals, and men and women of every class turned 
in to help the wounded. Xow and then we 
would see the Revolutionary troops marching. 

^^Both Lucy and I have been taking lessons 
from the doctors in general nursing, and espe- 
cially in bandaging. She is getting even more 


116 


ARTHUR NORRIS 


skilful than I, and oh, she is so brave ! A true 
helpmeet! The Ked Cross workers — what a 
blessing they are to the world! — go about with 
badges on their left arms. Everybody is very 
busy helping. 

‘Tmagine us at our first morning duty, wash- 
ing the patients^ faces, and giving each one a 
cup of tea! 

‘^The Provisional President of the new Re- 
public, Yuan Shi Kai, believes in Christianity, 
and Dr. Sun Yat Sen is a Christian. They 
want to develop the resources of the country 
and benefit the whole people, bringing peace 
and order out of chaos, if only foreign nations 
will help and not interfere with the good work. 

^They all want China to follow in the foot- 
steps of America. What a tribute to us, and 
how proud it makes one feel of one’s country; 
and yet, alas, there are so many blots on our 
beautiful escutcheon! Oh, if only we were all 
as good as we ought to be! 

^^ And now, x\untie dear, I must close, though 
I know you are not tired. Thank God that in 
the midst of perils we have been protected, and 
are safe and happy as well as very, very busy 
with our work. 


OR A MODERN KNIGHT 117 

^^Some of these days we shall be home again 
for a visit; meanwhile write to ns very often, 
and tell ns abont everybody and everything. 
Yon do not know how we crave all the details 
of onr dear ones, and the old life. 

^^Yonr loving boy, 

^^Arthur.” 

When Annt Han had read his letter with 
glistening eyes, she kissed it and mnrmnred, 

^^My own true Knight, without fear and 
without reproach!’’ 


The End 


































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